How-to: Upgrade to Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac

To upgrade to Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac, you will need:

• A Parallels Desktop 5 upgrade activation key
• Enough Mac disk space (or an external storage device) to back up your existing virtual machine before you upgrade/convert your VM

Installation

1. As with any software upgrade, be sure to back up your existing Parallels or non-Parallels virtual machine before you upgrade or convert to Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac.
2. Download Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac from the download page.

Important: When you upgrade to Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac, you may want to change the language of the software. To choose a different language,
1) go to the Parallels Website and click the flag at the top of the page and choose your desired language.
2) Purchase your upgrade to Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac in the language selected. The activation key for this language will be sent to you in an email.
3) Download Parallels Desktop for Mac 5 in the language you purchased (make sure the flag at the top of the page is still in your desired language).

For more information, see Change of localization for Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac in the Parallels Knowledge Base.

Your Activation Key

You will still need to enter your new upgrade activation key, even if you have a permanent (non-trial) activation key for a previous version.

• If you plan to create a fresh installation of Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac but you purchased a permanent activation key for a previous version of Parallels Desktop for Mac, you will be prompted to enter both keys.
• Can’t find it? Learn how to find your activation key.

Converting to Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac

Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac will convert your virtual machine to the new virtual hard disk format during the installation process. When prompted, you will need to create a backup of your current virtual machine to another location on your Mac or to an external hard drive. Note: You can convert the virtual hard disk to the previous format using the Parallels Image Tool located in the Mac’s Applications → Parallels folder on your Mac.

Parallels Tools

Whether you’re upgrading your existing copy of Parallels Desktop or converting your non-Parallels Desktop virtual machine, Parallels Tools will be automatically installed the first time your virtual machine is started. Parallels Tools is a set of helpful add-ons that optimize and enhance Parallels Desktop’s user-friendly features to give you the smoothest, most seamless experience.

Parallels Expert Services are here to help

Have a question or need a quick tip with Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac? Parallels provides numerous options to help you stay productive and get the most out of Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac. Click here for expert help.