Shared Folders Troubleshooting

Symptoms

When I start Windows virtual machine or open Windows Explorer I get this error message:

Cause

Parallels Desktop Shared Folders feature is not working correctly because Parallels Tools is damaged or not installed.

Resolution

NOTE: If files from shared folders cannot be opened with AutoCAD application installed in the virtual machine, please check this article: AutoCAD cannot open files from Shared Folders on Parallels Desktop for Mac.

Reinstall Parallels Tools:

1. Start your virtual machine.

2. In Mac menu bar click on Actions (Virtual Machine in older versions) > (Re)install Parallels Tools.

3. Restart your virtual machine.

If the issue still persists:

1. Click Start button in Windows, type CMD and hit Return/Enter key to open a command prompt.

2. Type in the line below in command prompt and hit Return/Enter:

   sc query prl_fs
   

   

3. Type in the line below in command prompt and hit Return/Enter as well:

   sc query prl_tg
   

   

   Make sure the STATE is RUNNING.

If it is not running:

1. Open Start menu > type Control Panel and hit Return/Enter.
2. Open Add/Remove Programs (Programs and Features) and uninstall Parallels Tools.
3. In Mac menu bar click on Actions (Virtual Machine in older versions) > Install Parallels Tools.