We have a VMWare ESXi 5.0.0 (build 504890) host and are running into problems installing a Windows Server 2008 R2 VM. When booting off a DVD to install Windows, we get a "HAL_INITIALIZATION_FAILED" error and the VM reboots.
Any ideas?
Thanks, Oliver
I would upgrade the ESX host to 1489271. Then, I think I would feel comfortable using the VM in production.
Is it possible that it is an OEM customized DVD?
Could you go an try to redownload the image from your Microsoft portal or another known to be good source?
Is NX/XD enabled in the host BIOS?
@ hpreyers - yes, it's a downloaded ISO from Microsoft Action Pack.
@ jmattson - unfortunately, I can't check the host BIOS without rebooting... or is there a way to check this from my vSphere client?
Please upload the vmware.log file for the failing VM (as an attachment).
Attached all log files. Funnily enough, I started my VM again to see which log file was the latested in order to post... now the VM boots from the DVD & I can start the Windows setup. This is the first time in about 10 attempts - nothing has changed, the question is why? Also, is my VM safe to use productively?
NX/XD is enabled. I don't see anything that would explain the failures.
I have managed to install Windows OK, with several reboots, without failure. Do you think it is safe to use this VM as a productive system? Is it worth updating my VMware host 5.0.0 (build 504890) to 1489271 (KB2065814 - Release name ESXi500-201401001)?
Thanks again for your help.
I would upgrade the ESX host to 1489271. Then, I think I would feel comfortable using the VM in production.
Should I update straight to 1489271 - is this a cumulative update? My version is dated 11/03/2011 & build 1489271 is dated 01/23/2014. There have also been an update01 through update03 - do I need to do these updates first? Finally, before the updates, should I make a complete backup of my Host (i.e. copy also VMs away) and what about my config?
Please see http://kb.vmware.com/kb/2020972.
@ jmattson - thanks for your help!