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Upgrading Parallels Tools

If you have a virtual machine created by a previous version of Parallels Workstation (2.0 or 2.1) with Parallels Tools installed, please upgrade Parallels Tools to use all capabilities of Parallels Tools Center including Shared Folder Options.

To upgrade Parallels Tools:

  1. Make sure that the virtual machine configuration includes a CD/DVD-ROM drive and it is enabled (the Enabled check box is selected). See the CD/DVD-ROM Options.
  2. Start your guest operating system and log in. In order to install tools properly do not begin the installation until OS completes its startup and you log in.
  3. Select the Install Parallel Tools in the Parallels Workstation VM menu.
  4. You are warned about necessity of having guest OS fully started and being logged in: "You can install the Parallels Tools only if the guest operating system is running and you are logged in. If you are not logged in now, select Cancel and run Parallels Tools installation later." If you are logged in, click OK to start installing.
  5. Parallels Tools Setup wizard starts and informs you that you have the Parallels Tools already installed in your virtual machine and they will be updated. Click Next to move to the Setup Type screen.
  6. In the Setup Type screen you should choose between the complete setup and a custom one. The complete setup installs all of the tools available for your guest OS. If you select custom setup, Select Components screen asks you to select desired tools from all the tools available for your guest OS.
  7. In the Ready to Install the Program screen you are able to return back to review installation settings. When you are ready, start installation by clicking the Install button.
  8. If your Windows guest system is configured to warn you every time an unsigned driver is installed, you will receive the following message: "Parallels Tools installation contains a number of unsigned drivers. These drivers are required for proper functioning of Parallels Tools. Currently your system is configured to warn you every time an unsigned driver is installed. Do you want to receive these warnings during Parallels Tools installation?" Click OK to disable warnings during Parallels Tools installation. They will re-enabled later when the installation will be complete.

    If your system is configured to block the unsigned drivers installation, you will receive the similar message prompting you to allow installation of these drivers. Click OK, otherwise Parallels Tools can not be installed at all.

  9. The wizard copies tools. When finished, Update Completed screen asks if you want to restart the virtual machine right now. Accept the selected option and click Finish.

    Note that the virtual machine should be restarted in order that Parallels Tools function properly.

Windows NT

In Windows NT guest OS, readmes for continuing installation of the video and audio drivers will be opened. Close them since re-installation of the drivers is not needed.