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My mac creeps to a halt if I attempt to start multiple VMs.

I have a Windows 7 and a Windows XP. If either is running, I cannot start the other without the Mac coming to a halt. I am guessing too many resources are being claimed when both are running.

Is that the case? Can I run simultaneous VMs on the Mac host?

I am using VB 3.1.8 on a Mac Powerbook with OSX Lep, 4gb RAM.

thanks in advance for the help!

I am not sure about your VM allocated resources, etc. but most commonly this is due to lack of RAM.

Ahh. RAM...I thought memory came free.

That may be the case. I set one to 2048gb and the other to 1024gb. That's 75% of my physical ram. I didnt think each VM actually claims the ram upfront but rather uses it as needs.

thanks!

Manash wrote:I didnt think each VM actually claims the ram upfront but rather uses it as needs.

If you check Activity Monitor, you'll see that each VM will use all the RAM it's been allocated, whether it needs it or not.