Activation
For correct usage of Parallels Desktop two actions are required - Registration and Activation.Activating Parallels Desktop means that you have inserted a license key in the correct field which allows you to run the software purchased.
If you purchased Parallels Desktop in a store, you can find an activation key printed on the cover of the installation CD.
If you bought the program online, you should have received the activation key by e-mail.
If you downloaded a trial copy of Parallels Desktop, you can get an activation key valid for a certain period of time.
Actually, the activation procedure for Parallels Desktop is as follows:
If you had Parallels Desktop previously, to activate Parallels Desktop 4 you need to enter the upgrade key for 4th version and then - some of your previous permanent keys (either for 2.5 or for 3.0 version).
Please, note, that localized versions should be equal (if you had German version of Parallels Desktop previously, you should install German version of Parallels Desktop 4 as well).
Currently you can download the following versions of Parallels Desktop 4 from our web site:
www.parallels.com/download/desktop/ English
www.parallels.com/de/download/desktop/ German
www.parallels.com/fr/download/desktop/ French
www.parallels.com/es/download/desktop/ Spanish
www.parallels.com/it/download/desktop/ Italian
If you have performed a clean installation (there was no Parallels Desktop on your computer before) you need to enter a permanent Parallels Desktop 4 activation key. If you have not purchased it yet, please, visit Parallels online store:
http://www.parallels.com/store/
For more information, please refer to Parallels Desktop User Guide:
download.parallels.com/desktop/v4/docs/en/Parallels_Desktop_Users_Guide/22157.htm
If you have a problem with finding your Parallels Desktop version 2.5 or 3 license key, try to solve the issue following carefully the advises published in the Parallels Knowledgebase article:
http://kb.parallels.com/en/5680
If the file /Library/Preferences/Parallels/licenses.xml does not contain any license key for version 3, please, try to find it using this article:
http://kb.parallels.com/en/4661
Common Errors
Below is the list of the most common error message displayed by activation of Parallels Desktop and their meanings:"This key is invalid" - The key you entered is not a correct key for Parallels Desktop. Please check if you entered the correct key. There is some misspelling possible between "O" (the letter O), "0" (zero), "I" (the letter i), "1" (the number one). Note that the key for the version 3 of Parallels Desktop must contain 29 characters (5 sets of 5 letters and numbers, each separated by dashes 4). The key for version 4 must contain 34 signs (5 sets of 6 digits with 4 dashes between them).
"The activation key has expired on ..." - You have a trial activation key that has been ordered more than 15 days ago.
"This key can not be used with ..." - The key inserted is not suitable for the current version or build of Parallels Desktop.
"This key is a key for beta version of Parallels Desktop and can not be used with... " - the key has been issued for the Beta version of Parallels Desktop. Once the complete commercial build of Parallels Desktop was officially released, you should replace the beta key with a commercial one (full or upgrade).
"This key is only suitable for (English / German / French, etc.) version of Parallels Desktop..." - 2 variants are possible:
- You have a localized version installed and try to activate it with a key that corresponds to a different language
- You have previously used a localized version of Parallels Desktop (Parallels Desktop 2.5 or 3) and try to activate it with an upgrade key appropriate for another language
Registration
After you have activated your copy of Parallels Desktop with a permanent activation key, you will be asked to register your copy of Parallels Desktop (in other words - to create your own account in the Parallels database and inform us about a license key you own).
We highly recommend you to register your copy of Parallels Desktop.
With registration, you will be able to:
- download and install the latest Parallels Desktop updates
- contact the Parallels support team via email
- stay informed about Parallels news and announcements
- restore lost products keys, or stop using stolen product key
All these services, including the product key backup, are free of charge for the registered users of Parallels Desktop.
If you still experience any difficulties with upgrading, please, contact the Parallels Technical support Team:
1. submit a free e-mail support request (click on Free E-mail Support link)
www.parallels.com/support/desktop/
2. Purchase Phone support at
www.parallels.com/store/support/