Activating Parallels Desktop

To fully run Parallels Desktop, you should activate it with an activation key. If you purchased a boxed version of the program, you can find the activation key printed on the installation CD sleeve. If you purchased the program online, the activation key was sent to your e-mail. If you downloaded a copy of Parallels Desktop to evaluate it before buying, you can get a trial activation key valid for a certain period of time.

After you activate your copy of Parallels Desktop, you can run virtual machines, install operating systems and various applications in them.

If you upgraded Parallels Desktop to version 5 from the previous version, you need an upgrade activation key to activate Parallels Desktop 5. For detailed information, see Upgrading to Parallels Desktop 5 .

Activating Your Copy of Parallels Desktop

To activate Parallels Desktop:

1. Choose Activate Product from the Help menu.
2. In the activation dialog, specify your name and your company name in the Name and Organization fields (optional), and type the activation key into the Activation Key field. Click OK to activate your copy.

   

Now that your copy of Parallels Desktop is activated, you can create virtual machines, install operating systems in them, and work with the virtual machines' applications side by side with the applications of your Mac.

Getting a Trial Activation Key

After you download Parallels Desktop from Parallels Download Center and install it, follow the steps below:

1. Choose Activate Product from the Help menu.
2. In the activation dialog, click the Get Trial button.
3. In the User Registration Form dialog, specify your name and e-mail address. The Company name field is optional.

   

4. You can provide additional information using the Optional Information tab.
5. Click the Register button to send this information to Parallels.

A free trial activation key will be sent immediately to the e-mail address you provided.

If you want to register online at the Parallels website, click the Register online button. You will receive a free trial activation key by e-mail after you fill out and submit the online form.

When your free trial activation key expires, you will need to get a permanent activation key.

Getting a Permanent Activation Key

To purchase an activation key:

1. Choose Activate Product from the Help menu.
2. In the activation dialog, click the Buy now button to open Parallels Online Store where you can purchase an activation key.