Parallels Desktop and Home Networking

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Level 1

9 points

Parallels Desktop and Home Networking

I don't know if anyone has encountered a similar problem that I'm describing below.

Context: We have two MBP's at home running 10.4.9 connected over a wireless network. Both computers for some time saw each other easily over the network when appletalk was enabled and also shared files easily. All one had to do was to click the network folder in the finder window, and the other computer would show up automatically.

Recently, I installed Parallels Desktop Build 3188... and well, now neither computer could see or share files with one another. From checking all my network settings, nothing about the airport connect had changed, and appletalk was still enabled on both computers.

I could remove parallels, but obviously I installed the software because I needed to make use of some PC software.

Oh, and I have checked the Parallels website. Neither their support, documentation, or FAQ were of any help whatsoever.

Has anyone experienced this problem with their home network and Parallels?

Macbook Pro C2D, 2.33GHz, Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Posted on Apr 16, 2007 5:10 PM

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Answer 1

Apr 16, 2007 7:01 PM in response to Cheefster

Does this problem only happen when Parallels is running? For all intents and purposes, Parallels runs as an application that has no components even in memory unless it is running. I see no way that it could interfere with any network functionality outside of its own virtual layer. I have Parallels running right now, actually. I have it set up with "shared" networking and I am able to connect my Windows XP virtual maching to my Windows Media Center PC with no problems. I am also able to see and connect to my daughter's MacBook across our wireless connection.

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Answer 2

Apr 17, 2007 4:36 PM in response to Cheefster

I'm not sure if it's the same problem, but with Parallels installed I've had scenarios where no networking at all would work. What I did to fix it was go into the Network System Preferences and disable all of the virtual NICs that Parallels installed and then configure Parallels to use Bridged networking (ie. it's just another machine on your network).

Whenever I upgrade or install Parallels it adds these back, but I always have to disable them.

To try this, go into the Network System Preferences, select "Show Port Configurations" and uncheck "Parallels Host-Guest" and "Parallels NAT". Make sure you choose "Bridged" in the network settings for your VM.

If this doesn't help then just turn them back on.

MacBook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.9)

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Answer 3

Cheefster Author

Level 1

9 points

Apr 17, 2007 6:07 PM in response to TristanAustin

I want to thank Joe and Tristan for replying. Just a follow up to both your comments.

First, I have my parallels VM set to bridged, rather than shared networking. As to which type is actually more secure for Win XP running within the virtual machine, well, I'm not quite sure and that's surely a topic for further discussion.

I have to report on the status of my network - well, I started seeing the other mac in my network folder again... but sporadically. I was doing what Tristan had suggested, unchecking the Parallels Host-Guest and Parallels NAT configurations. I suspect the following:

When my computer is first booted, having both the Parallels Host-Guest and NAT checked prevented me from seeing the other computer. Uncheck them, and all of a sudden the other computer appears on the list. However, at this point, I can re-check the boxes of the Host-Guest and NAT, and am still able to access the other computer. It's almost like the computer doesn't see it at first, but then when you take down the Parallels wall and put it up again later, the computer remembers that the other one was there. This is completely speculative, and needs a few more rounds of testing to be sure.

However, for now at least, I can get my network connections back.

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Answer 4

Apr 17, 2007 7:23 PM in response to Cheefster

If everything is working with the Parallels Guest and NAT NICs disabled, then you can just leave them disabled. With Bridged networking setup and associated with the 'Default', 'Ethernet' or 'Airport' interfaces, the virtual NICs aren't required at all. I'm not 100% sure what features aren't available when they're disabled, but at least with the above settings I haven't had any need for them.

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