Problem with Aero on Windows 7 via Parallels 5

[KCWolfPck]

So, I recently installed Parallels 5 on my MacBook and then I installed Windows 7 as a virual machine. For some reason, I cannot get Windows 7 to run in "aero" mode.

The MacBook I installed it on is a year or two old (it's a Black MacBook). It's got a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo and 2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM. I believe the sceps are enough to support "aero" mode.

In the virtual machine configure menu. I've selected Processors = 1 and Mani Memory = 1200 MB (top of recommended).

When trying to adjust my settings in Windows 7, there is a message at the bottom of he personalization screen with a link to "Troubleshoot problems with transparency and other aero effects". When I click the link, it runs a test to detect problems. After the test is complete, it tells me that Desktop Window Manager is disabled.

Any idea on what I can do to get Aero working, or is my macBook not up to snuff?

Thanks!

 

[Darth.Titan]

The video card for the Blackbook doesn't have what it takes to run Aero in virtualization. The following is quoted from the Parallels support forums:

Intel drivers for OS X are not as capable as Windows drivers. Texture size limits are lower than what Windows Aero requires.

You may try some hack though. It is possible to force Aero compatibility at the cost of possible 3D problems. In virtual machine properties select Hardware tab and Boot Order. Type in "video.dx_profile=6" without quotes into Boot flags and start your VM.

Note that this setting may cause artifacts or instability to 3D applications because it stretches the system beyond its capabilities. Remove this boot flag in case of problems.

 

[KCWolfPck]

The video card for the Blackbook doesn't have what it takes to run Aero in virtualization. The following is quoted from the Parallels support forums:

Ah....thanks! It's good to know that the Mac simply can't handle it and it's not a user error.