Install Parallels Tools in Ubuntu

Every time Parallels Tools needs to be updated for my Ubuntu virtual machines, I have to remember exactly how to do it, which usually involves a few clumsy Google searches.

So, for the sake of posterity, and to help anyone else in the same situation, here’s how I upgrade Parallels Tools on Ubuntu:

1. Open your Ubuntu virtual machine in Parallels.
2. In the Parallels menu, click on Virtual Machine/Reinstall Parallels Tools.  You should see a disc image (looks like a CD) appear on your Ubuntu desktop.
3. Open a Terminal and navigate to this (virtual) CD by typing: cd /media/Parallels\ Tools or cd /media/"Parallels Tools" and hit enter.
4. In your terminal window, type sudo sh install – Parallels will open the Parallels Tools Installer, which will guide you through the setup.
5. Click Next
6. Select Upgrade and click Next
7. Parallels will warn that you’re about to install and that it’s probably a good idea to save data and close open applications.  After you’ve done so, click Next.
8. Hold on while Parallels works its magic and, when it’s done, it’ll thoughtfully congratulate you and ask you to reboot.
9. Restart Ubuntu and you’re done!