Parallels = sluggish Mac

I recently started a new job and it requires that I use a lot of PC-only programs. I thought "no problem, I'll just use Parallels."

But here's the thing. Whenever I use Parallels, my Mac gets really sluggish and doesn't register all of my mouse clicks (trackpad click still works). And I don't just mean while I'm using Parallels, the problems persist even after I quit the program. The only way to get things back to normal is by rebooting. Anyone know of a fix?

FWIW, I'm using a Logitech wireless USB mouse.

Would help if we had your model and specs and OS. >_>"

Sorry, 15" unibody MBP 2.66 w/4GB RAM. OS X version 10.5.8.

How much RAM did you allocate to your Windows VM? Sounds like you're running short on memory.

vansmith said:

How much RAM did you allocate to your Windows VM? Sounds like you're running short on memory.

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Memory allocation is set to automatic. I'll switch to manual and see if it makes any difference.

Switched to manual, cranked it up, but noticed no difference.

The more RAM you allocate to the VM, the less there is for OS X so if anything, you need to lower the amount of RAM you're allocating to your VM. How much does "automatic" allocate?

vansmith said:

The more RAM you allocate to the VM, the less there is for OS X so if anything, you need to lower the amount of RAM you're allocating to your VM. How much does "automatic" allocate?

Click to expand...

I'm not sure how much automatic allocates, it just says "Automatic." But regardless, shouldn't my Mac go back to normal after I shut down Parallels?

Which version of Parallels are you using?

andr3wkim said:

Which version of Parallels are you using?

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I'm using 4.0.

Hmm, you might want to try out the new version and see if that fixes the issues you have been having. Otherwise, try setting the virtual RAM for Windows to 2-3GB.

There should also be an option to set the optimization to performance of Windows or Mac applications in general.