How to Run Parallels Desktop 8 with OS X Mavericks DP

Mavericks testers have reported problems installing the Mavericks Developer Preview in a virtual machine on Mountain Lion. Parallels has provided some knowledge base articles to assist, including a different mode, the installation of Parallels Desktop 8 in Mavericks itself.

There are two modes of interest for Parallels Desktop 8 (PD8) and Mavericks Developer Preview (DP). Here they are:

1. Launch Parallels Desktop for Mac on OS X Mavericks DP

The knowledge base article is KB 116259, created June 11 and revised June 17.

The Problem Cause: Parallels Desktop for Mac kernel extensions are not loaded on OS X Mavericks.

Resolution: Update Parallels Desktop to the latest build, 8.0.18494. To learn more please visit KB 116290

Parallels notes: After you update Parallels Desktop 8 it is necessary to reboot your Mac to install it properly.

Mavericks as VM in Mountain Lion. Image Credit: Parallels

2. Run Mavericks as a VM, inside PD8, in Mountain Lion

Parallels notes: "Installing OS X 10.9 Mavericks Developer Preview in a blank virtual machine is not supported at this time." However, there is a workaround, and it's described in knowledge base article KB 116282 created June 14, revised June 16.

A technique is described on how to upgrade an already existing OS X virtual machine to OS X 10.9 Mavericks Developer Preview. The steps are provided.

The above KB articles are all you need, but Parallels has discussed all this more generally in a blog entry, "Parallels Desktop and OS X 10.9 Mavericks." that allows for user comments.