How to configure Mac OS X to share networks with Windows

After you install Parallels Desktop on your Mac, Windows is set to share network settings with Mac OS X by default. Windows programs can access other computers and the Internet on the local network by using the MAC's IP address. Windows itself does not have an IP address in the network.

In most cases, you do not need to adjust your network settings. If your Mac has a network or Internet connection set up, Windows programs will have access to the same network and Internet.

You may want to use the shared network mode in the following situations:

• Your MAC is accessing the Internet through a modem or other non-Ethernet device.

• You need direct access to the Internet from Windows but worry about installation issues.

• You have a problem with working in bridged network mode.

How to configure Windows to use a shared network:

1. Choose one of the following methods:

• Click the Parallels icon in the menu bar, press the option (ALT) key, and press and hold the key to select the configuration.

• If you see the Parallels Desktop menu bar at the top of the screen, select virtual Machine > configuration.

2. Click on the hardware and click Network.

3. In the network pane, make sure that the enabled, connected, and shared network options are selected.

Note: In the MAC Address bar, you can change the MAC address that is currently assigned to Windows. The MAC address is automatically generated the first time you install Windows on your Mac. However, you can still modify the default MAC address by entering a different address in the MAC address bar or by clicking the Generate button. When you enter a new MAC address, make sure it is unique across the network.