The next window in the custom install process lets you create a name for the virtual machine, as well as turn file sharing on or off.
Virtual Machine Name, File Sharing, and More Options
- Enter a name for Parallels to use for this virtual machine.
- Enable file sharing by putting a check mark next to the 'Enable file sharing' option. This will let you share files in your Mac's Home folder with your Windows virtual machine.
- If you wish, enable user profile sharing by placing a check mark next to the ‘Enable user profile sharing’ option. This allow the Windows virtual machine to access files on your Mac desktop and in your Mac user folder. I prefer to leave this option unchecked, and to manually create shared folders later on. This allows me to make file sharing decisions on a folder-by-folder basis.
- Click the More Options triangle.
- The 'Create icon on the Desktop' option is checked by default. It's up to you whether you want an icon of the Windows virtual machine on your Mac desktop. I uncheck this option because my desktop is cluttered enough already.
- It's also up to you whether to enable the 'Share virtual machine with other Mac users' option or not. When enabled, this option allows anyone who has an account on your Mac to access the Windows virtual machine.
- Enter a location for storing the virtual machine information. You can accept the default location or use the 'Choose' button to specify a different location. I prefer to store my virtual machines on a separate partition. If you want to choose something other than the default location, click the 'Choose' button and follow the onscreen instructions.
- Click the ‘Next’ button.
