How to share files and folders between Windows and OS X using Parallels

This brief tutorial will show you how to share files and folders between the guest OS (Windows) and the host (OS X) using Parallels.

1. The very first thing you need to do to (easily) share files and folders between Windows and OS X is install Parallels Tools. Though the instructions (from the previous link) are specific to Windows Vista, they’re very similar for XP.
2. Once Parallels Tools has been installed, shut down Windows. Back in the Parallels configuration window, click the Edit button.


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3. Select Shared Folders in the the Resource column. Make sure that Enable shared folders is checked and then click the + (plus) button.


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4. Give your shared folder a name and then click the Browse… button. Navigate to the folder you want to share with Windows, and select it. Enter a description (if you want, it’s not mandatory) and then click OK.


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5. Make sure Parallels now knows to share the folder and then power up Windows.
6. Once Windows has started, double-click the Parallels Shared Folders icon on the desktop
7. Your newly shared folder should now be visible. Double-click it..
8. And there’s the folder in OS X you selected to share!


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