I'm not a Parallels user but I'm considering it, as I need to run a particular desktop app that only runs in Windows. So my question is: can I run a Windows VM, in Parallels, that is not allowed to connect to the Internet, & has only limited access to the local filesystem too? I'm assuming that such a setup would give me reasonable security (as secure as Parallels is anyway).
Windows VM sandbox?
- Thread starter rajus
- Start date
John@Parallels
Forum Maven
Yes, to all 
Hugh Watkins
Forum Maven
once set up
don't forget to clone your sandbox regularly
PD >> menu >> file >> clone
if you break it
delete it and just open a back up copy
if you want a modern windows installation you will need to download updates from MS
A VM is exactly like a PC
and needs needs the same good housekeeping
firewall, ante virus and so on
File sharing may be turned off
menu >> devices >> shared folders
but if you keep your data in a shared folder
(possibly on an external drive)
it may survive changes of VM clones
in fact I run my parallels with the VM image on a La Cie Firewire 800 HD
Hugh W
Thanks guys. All sounds good. In general I won't care much about what happens in the Windows VM (although it could be annoying of course) but I really *don't* want to stuff up the Mac itself. One last question: the demo for Parallels talks about 'migrating my entire system to a VM...". Presumably this is all easily reversible if at some time I decide to uninstall Parallels?
Hugh Watkins
Forum Maven
the original system is untouched
a new disk image is created
read the help pages and FAQ
Hugh W