Parallels Desktop
Advanced VM Configuration
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Contents
Introduction 4
Feedback...................................................................................................................................................... 4
The Configuration File 5
Configuration Parameters 6
AppVersion.................................................................................................................................................. 6
Identification................................................................................................................................................ 7
Settings......................................................................................................................................................... 7
General.............................................................................................................................................. 8
Startup............................................................................................................................................... 9
Shutdown........................................................................................................................................11
Runtime........................................................................................................................................... 12
Tools............................................................................................................................................... 14
Autoprotect..................................................................................................................................... 19
AutoCompress ................................................................................................................................ 20
Hardware.................................................................................................................................................... 20
CPU................................................................................................................................................. 21
Memory........................................................................................................................................... 22
Video............................................................................................................................................... 23
CdRom............................................................................................................................................ 24
Hdd ................................................................................................................................................. 25
Serial............................................................................................................................................... 25
NetworkAdapter..............................................................................................................................26
Sound..............................................................................................................................................27
USB................................................................................................................................................. 28
Index 29
4
C HAPTER 1
Introduction
This guide provides information about a configuration file used to define the parameters for a
Parallels virtual machine. When you create a new virtual machine, you choose its name, the
operating system type, memory size, disk, and other options. Your choices are stored in an
XML-based configuration file, which is placed into the virtual machine bundle. Since this is an
XML file, it can be opened with a plain text editor for viewing and editing. The majority of the
configuration parameters can be modified using the Parallels Desktop graphical user interface or
through the API. Modifying the parameters directly in the configuration file is also possible. In
addition, there are a number of useful configuration parameters that are not represented in the
Parallels Desktop GUI, so they can only be modified by editing the configuration file directly or
using the API. This document is intended for advanced Parallels Desktop users and system
administrators, who would like to learn about the organization of the virtual machine
configuration file in order to get more control over their virtual machines.
In This Chapter
Feedback ............................................................................................................................... 4
Feedback
If you spot a typo in this guide, or if you have an opinion about how to make this guide more
helpful, you can share your comments and suggestions with us by completing the
Documentation Feedback form on our website (http://www.parallels.com/en/support/usersdoc/).
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