Share your USB data connection on your Mac with Parallels

December 29, 2006 by Dan in Apple,Howto with 6 Comments

Every good blogger is always on the run, so I live and die for my EVDO connection. It works PERFECTLY on my Mac, but if I need internet access on the go with Windows XP in Parallels, I’m left high and dry!

With a little bit of easy hackery, your Mac will be able share it’s data connection with Parallels. Here is the trick:

You need to update your Parallels software to the latest workstation to build 1970 or later.
Next, go to System Preferences -> Sharing -> Internet (tab)
Choose from the Drop Down Selection: Share Your Connection From: (YOUR DEVICE)

Check the on box for the ethernet port of : Built –In-Ethernet

Click the start button to begin sharing the Internet connection

Open a terminal window
Type more /etc/resolv.conf to obtain your carriers DNS information. You will receive a listing for your Primary and Secondary DNS servers, write this down you’ll need it

Start up you Windows Connection and once booted, navigate to your LAN connection TCP/IP settings. Start -> Network Connections -> Local Area Connection -> Properties ->Internet Protocol TCP/IP -> Properties -> Use the following DNS server addresses

This is where you will need to enter in the manual DNS information so that your connection can resolve Internet requests in Parallels.

It took me a few restarts in Windows to get this work perfectly, and from what I understand it may not work with all phones that can DUN, so try at your own risk.

For more instructions, or on how do do this hack with a data card see EVDOInfo

Digg this

Roberto Felgueiras

Ok, dude, what theme are you running? I’ve been trying to find out. Help a guy out.
seven

dude, your OS X dialogue boxes look amazing. Is it an early leopard build or a tweak for tiger?
cheers
http://www.uneasysilence.com Dan

It is a ShapeShifter theme called “Niqu”
Websnap

Thanks, great tip BTW.
Charly Frank

Hi Dan:

I have been tinkering with this problem for months. Your solution is great. I followed it, but I still can not connect.
Would you therefore be so kind and go over my settings with me?

My USB Terminal (modem) is connected on the Mac side, and works fine.

Network Preferences
Created a Location and when I Show Network Port Configurations, I have checked
NetMod USB
Built-in Ethernet
AirPort because I have clients come with their MacBooks

Sharing
I have shared my USB Netmod Terminal with computers using
Built-in Ethernet
Airport

I am basically set up as you described, except that I have AirPort checked as well

On the VM XP side:
Parallels’ (Build 3106 Beta 3 12/28/2006) Configuration Editor under
Network Adapter is thusly configured:

Device Status
Enabled and Connect cable at startup checked

Emulation
Bridged Ethernet and Default Adapter IS THAT SO CORRECT?
(Shared networking and Host-only networking are always gray)

Whenever I start up the VM, I get this Parallels error message:
“Problem with network adaptor is detected. Please check if network cable is connected
to the physical network adaptor attached to the virtual machine.”

My XP settings:
Network Places / LAN – Preferences / General, checked are:
Parallels Shared Folder Network Provider
Client for Microsoft Networks
File and Printer Sharing for MS Networks
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) / Properties / set

When I open a browser, I get:
“Cannot connect the phonebook entry.
Error 720: A connection to the remote computer could not be
established. You might change the network settings… ”

Since I entered the DNS locations, the error feedback in Firefox is much faster. At least some change. :-)

I appreciate any and all help you might offer.
MG

I’ve found that it’s better to point the DNS servers to Open DNS (www.opendns.org for instructions) so that I don’t have to tinker with them when my wireless card is not connected.

Share your USB data connection on your Mac with Parallels

Related Posts:

Recent Comments