VMware

This Question is Answered

1 "helpful" answer available (6 pts)
6 Replies Last post: Nov 7, 2009 8:02 AM by Ratchet67  

Windows 2003 fails to boot after converting from a VHD with vSphere Standalone Converter 4.0.1 posted: Nov 1, 2009 2:23 AM

Click to view Ratchet67's profile Novice
Ratchet67
7 posts since
Feb 8, 2009

Hi,

I have recently upgraded my host to vSphere 4. I have also upgraded to vSphere Converter 4.0.1. However, when I convert a Microsoft Windows 2003 VHD into vSphere, the resulting VM does not boot. It gets just past the BIOS screen, then goes black, with only a white line in the top left corner of the console.

I have tried hot and cold conversions. I have tried changing the various default conversion settings. I have tried deleting the source machine and re-creating it.

This has worked fine under ESX3.5, so I wonder what I am doing wrong on vSphere.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks.

Tags: windows_2003_server, converter_standalone_4.0.0, failed, error, vmware_converter

Re: Windows 2003 fails to boot after converting from a VHD with vSphere Standalone Converter 4.0.1

1. Nov 1, 2009 2:52 AM in response to: Ratchet67
Click to view AndreTheGiant's profile Guru
AndreTheGiant
5,897 posts since
Aug 28, 2008
vSphere can also work with old VM format.
So simple use conveter to take the VM from ESX 3.5.

PS: your problem seems a bootloader problem. Maybe your boot disk is in IDE format.

Andre

Re: Windows 2003 fails to boot after converting from a VHD with vSphere Standalone Converter 4.0.1

2. Nov 1, 2009 4:52 AM in response to: AndreTheGiant
Click to view Ratchet67's profile Novice
Ratchet67
7 posts since
Feb 8, 2009

Hi,

That sounds very logical, and helpful. The vSphere VM setting for the boot drive is "IDE (0:0) Hard Disk 1", is that what you mean? What do you think I need to change?

Thanks in advance (and for the quick response already).

Re: Windows 2003 fails to boot after converting from a VHD with vSphere Standalone Converter 4.0.1

3. Nov 1, 2009 5:09 AM in response to: Ratchet67
Click to view Ratchet67's profile Novice
Ratchet67
7 posts since
Feb 8, 2009

Hi,

Just tried a version 4 VM during conversion, as you suggested, and that worked. What's the difference?

Thanks.

Re: Windows 2003 fails to boot after converting from a VHD with vSphere Standalone Converter 4.0.1

4. Nov 1, 2009 7:27 AM in response to: Ratchet67
Click to view AndreTheGiant's profile Guru
AndreTheGiant
5,897 posts since
Aug 28, 2008
In v4 disk are only in SCSI format.
Probably also the source was in SCSI format... so v7 in IDE format give you disks not configured in the boot loader.

Andre

Re: Windows 2003 fails to boot after converting from a VHD with vSphere Standalone Converter 4.0.1

5. Nov 1, 2009 4:57 PM in response to: AndreTheGiant
Click to view continuum's profile Guru
continuum
12,616 posts since
Dec 18, 2003
try "configure machine" with Converter 3.0.3 again - for 2k3 guests in many cases the patching works better with 3.0.3

Anyway - you should always have both version ready to use. For the configure options it os enough to have both versions installed in a VM somewhere

___________________________________

VMX-parameters- VMware-liveCD - VM-Sickbay

Re: Windows 2003 fails to boot after converting from a VHD with vSphere Standalone Converter 4.0.1

6. Nov 7, 2009 8:02 AM in response to: AndreTheGiant
Click to view Ratchet67's profile Novice
Ratchet67
7 posts since
Feb 8, 2009

Hi,

As you suspected, the solution was to set the Disk Controller to either SCSI Bus Logic or SCSI LSI Logic (either works) in the View/Edit Options dialog during conversion. After that, it works like a dream.

Thanks AndreTheGiant

Actions

VMware Developer

SDKs, APIs, Videos, Learn and much more in the Developer community.

Learn More

Developer Sample Code

Increase your developer productivity with VMware API sample code.

Learn More

VMworld Sessions & Labs

Online access to the latest VMworld Sessions & Labs and online services.

Learn more

Purchase PSO Credits Online

Purchase credits to redeem training and consulting services online.

Buy Now

Community Hardware Software

View reported configurations or report your own.

Learn More

VMware vSphere

Come witness the next giant leap in virtualization.

Register Today

Communities