APPLIES TO:

ISSUE

After updating the Mac OS X to version 10.6.8, with Parallels Desktop 6 for Mac installed, the Mac system’s Dock process may start consuming 100% of the CPU core. This results in slower than expected Mac OS operations.

AFFECTED HOSTS

Any Mac with Mac OS X version 10.6.8 update installed. Other Mac OS X versions are not affected.

AFFECTED PRODUCTS

Parallels Desktop 6 for Mac, Parallels Desktop 6 Switch to Mac edition. Older versions are not affected.

CAUSE

Issue with Core Graphics API compatibility with icons larger than 128x128 pixels that causes Finder to work unstably when accessing files with such icons assigned.

RECOMMENDED RESOLUTION

Please update Parallels Desktop to the latest build. You can download it here.

WORKAROUND

If the solution mentioned above did not help for some reason, please apply the workaround below.

Removing the Parallels Application Folder from the Dock puts the folder with the affected files out of Finder’s reach and resolves the issue:
 
1. Launch Parallels Desktop for Mac 6.
 
2. Open your Windows Virtual machine configuration.



Note: if your Virtual Machine is in Coherence mode, you shall need to locate the Parallels red logo icon in Mac OS title bar.  Click the logo while holding the Option (Alt) button on your keyboard. Select "Configure" in the menu opened.



3. Click on the "Options" tab.
4. Uncheck the "Show windows applications in Dock"  option.


5. Click OK to save changes.
 
6. Repeat the above steps with any Windows Virtual Machine which has the Parallels Applications Folder in the Dock