Parallels

Symptoms

When attempting to install Windows XP versions without pre-installed Service Pack 2, errors like sudden restarts and blue-screen errors (BSOD) may occur.

Cause

The guest OS you select for the VM specifies the way of optimizing the virtualization while running this VM. Windows XP SP2 and Windows XP SP0-1 have some technological differences that may lead to incorrect behavior in the virtualized environment with particular optimizations applied.

Resolution

Change the acceleration mode of the VM:

1. Open the VM configuration page.


2. In the Resources list select Options.
   


3. Click the Advanced tab.
   


4. Set the Acceleration level to Normal or Disabled.
   

After installing Windows XP in the VM, you can change the Acceleration level back to High.