Troubleshooting Virtual PC 6.1: Microsoft working on G5 compatibility for next release; USB device requirements
Troubleshooting Virtual PC 6.1: Microsoft working on G5 compatibility for next release; USB device requirements
Microsoft working on G5 compatibility for next release As previously reported, the current iteration of Virtual PC (6.1) is incompatible with the now-shipping Power Macintosh G5s. A Microsoft spokesperson told MacFixIt:
"We are working on adding G5 functionality into the next version of VPC, which is currently being developed by the Mac BU."
We are actively seeking a workaround for users who need Virtual PC compatibility but have replaced their G4s with G5s, as well as additional information on what causes the conflict. We'd also like to hear from users who have had success running any Virtual PC version on a G5. Please let us know at late-breakers@macfixit.com.
Serial number entering, contacting support Several readers have had problems entering a serial number when upgrading from version 6.0 to 6.1.
One poster to Microsoft's discussion boards writes "For those who have reported an incident where updating VPC 6.0 to VPC 6.1 and found that you were not only being asked to re-enter your serial number but that it was also not being accepted, the suggestion I received is for you to contact Microsoft Product Support. Here's a link for the VPC 6.1 for Mac product support page, which indicates 'Your Product Support currently** provides unlimited installation support and 2 incidents at no charge.' http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;en-us;prodoffer76a
USB device problems Several MacFixIt readers have reported problems with USB devices and Virtual PC 6.1. Generally, these problems involve one or more specific functions of a device not properly functioning (e.g. an IrDA device that will only receive and not send data).
For reference, here are Virtual PC's requirements for USB devices:
- A virtual machine that uses Microsoft Windows 98 or later
- Windows drivers for your USB device (provided by the manufacturer)
- Mac OS 9, or Mac OS X or later
- Virtual PC 5.0 or later
Also, note that Virtual PC permits you to connect up to 15 USB devices to one Macintosh computer at the same time. The USB devices may be connected directly to a USB port, or they may be connected to a USB hub that is connected to a USB port.
One family of devices notably marked as incompatible is Delorme's USB GPS unit line. The Delorme USB tripmate shows up, but open it again up and the device is unchecked.Resources