windows freezes during installation in parallels

everytime i try to install windows in parallels it freezes when its 'installing devices'
help?

i'm on a brand new mbp with a windows xp cd

 

Windows XP will not start-up; freezes; never installs correctly

I have a brand new imac with the following info.

imac 5,1 - 20"
Intel Core 2 Duo
2.16 GHz
1GB

I install Parallels Desktop fine. I am at build 3214.

I cannot fully install Windows XP pro.
I use the express install option in parallels. Windows attempts to install from the cd. When it gets to the point of 'Windows is starting up', then there is an initialization failure.

 

yeah, i dunno dude. i guess we don't get much help around here.

 

Installation freezes at Installing Devices

I have the same issue... I've tried using the Express options with an expanding folder, I've tried a custom install giving it more memory and a fixed 32Gb folder, but every time the Windows XP install gets to "Installing Devices" and 36 minutes it just sits there. The little green squares in the bottom right hand corner are still active, but there is apparently no disk activity.

I've tried disconnecting absolutely everything from my iMac apart from the keyboard and mouse but nothing seems to help.

I'm running Parallels Desktop 3.0 for mac, build 4560 on a 2Ghz Intel Core Duo iMac with OS X v10.4.10, and am trying to install Windows XP from a CD.

Help!!

 

Had no problem installing win xppro sp2, but when i try an earlier version off windows its sticks indeed on installing devices.

What version off windows you trying to install?

 

this may help

Your OS CD of XP may be faulty try this: http://kb.parallels.com/entry/30/458/
It is how to make and install ISO Copy of CD.

Kat

PS Make sure that you are using a Full os copy of XP not just the update.

 

Try custom install of Parallels Tools

I had this same problem of Win XP opening, then crashing Parallels during install of Parallels Tools, or startup of Parallels Tools Center. It didn't occur in Build 4128, but did become a problem in 4560.

Try doing custom install of Parallels Tools and deselecting Application Sharing component. It was something about the presence of this component that crashed Parallels on my Mac.

If you already have (partially) installed Parallels Tools, and the P.T. Center automatically starts as during your WinXP login, thereby crashing Parallels, try doing a Safe Boot into Win XP (tap F8 key during startup) and then go to Start>Run... and run msconfig. You can deselect Parallels Tools as a startup app. Then reinstall Parallels Tools without Application Sharing.

This worked for me. Obviously your problem might be different.

 

Whoops, re-reading the original post in this thread, I just realized cjsidler's problem was actually a WinXP install problem, not a WinXP startup problem. So ignore this post, or take it for what it's worth.

 

Fixed

Hiya,

Eventually I got past the freezing issue. I deleted all parallels Windows folders, resorted to a wired keyboard & mouse. Eventually the windows install worked despite having to restart on numerous occasions due to various "blue screens of death".

FYI... it was a SP1 WIndows installation disk so maybe that didn't help either.

Thanks for all the ideas!

 

Glad you got it to work for you. You might want to make a copy of the vm unused for reinstallation, if something ever goes wrong with the original.

kat

 

Same problem here

If anyone has a *reliable* solution to installing XP, post it! Otherwise, I'm returning the product.

 

sbreckler,

A few things about xp, you cannot use a copy that came with another computer(ie dell HP, should be a new copy window xp sp2. Not just an update. Make sure the disk is clean and free from scratches. If the cd still will not install make an iso and use that to install xp. Please remove all corrupt files that you may have created you can find information on this in the knowlege base. But if you need more information just ask.

To make an ISO image of the CD-ROM using Disk Utility:

1. In the Finder open Macintosh HD - Applications - Utilities - Disk Utility.
2. Insert the source CD-ROM (the image of which you want to create) into the CD/DVD-ROM drive of Macintosh computer.
3. Select the CD/DVD-ROM drive from the Disk Utility device list.
4. Click the New Image button on the top of the Disk Utility window.
5. Choose the name and location for the image (you can leave the default settings).
6. Set Image Format to read-only.
7. Click Save and wait till the image creation process is complete.
8. Locate the created image, open its pop-up menu (by Ctrl-clicking the file) and select Get Info from the pop-up menu.
9. Expand Name & Extension section and change the file's extension from .dmg to .iso.
10. Now you can connect this image to the virtual machine’s CD/DVD-ROM drive: launch Parallels Desktop, click the CD/DVD-ROM icon in the main configuration window to open the CD/DVD-ROM drive’s settings, select the Use image file option, and click the Browse button to locate the ISO image file.
You can use a successfully created image file as a bootable media for the guest OS installation instead of a real CD.
If during the image creation I/O errors occurred, this may indicate that there is either a problem with your disc, or your Mac’s CD/DVD-ROM drive doesn’t function properly. Please consult your local Apple Center for solving this problem.

 

Got mine to get past "Installing Devices..."

Had the same issue.

MacBook Core 2 Due, 2 GB RAM, Latest Parallels.

Seemed to "hang" at "Installing Devices..." and "33 Minutes left".

I stopped Parallels (Hit STOP button), ejected my XP Pro CD, restarted Parallels (Hit PLAY button), the Windows install started from where it left off, prompted me for the CD, I inserted it, and volia. It got past the "Installing Devices..." part.

As I write this, it's on the "Installing Start Menu items..." section, so, fingers crossed, it'll get thru the rest.

 

Thank you, jjo. Your method worked to get me past "Installing Devices".

brian

 

Worked for me, too. Runs fine.