Virtual Center 2.0 Installation error with Windows Installer

[radamanthe]

Hello,

I searched quite thoroughly the Forums' databases, but did not find anything like the problem I have.

When I try to install the Virtual Center 2.0 elements (license server, management server or client) in any order, the installation process starts (InstallShiled wizard), but on the "configuring Windows Installer" step, a window pops up which looks like the command line help of the Windows Installer, and the installation doesn't continue:

"Windows ® Installer. V 3.01.4000.3959

msiexec /Option

..."

The physical host is running MS Windows Server 2003 EE SP2.

Maybe those versions are too new.

What is the exact supported version?

Since nothing was logged in Windows events logs, I enabled msi logging through the Group Policy Editor, but no log file was created.

Since I am installing from a Terminal Services session, I also tried to enable "Allow admin to install from Terminal Services session" in the Group Policy Editor, but that didn't change anything.

I'm gonna try to uninstall SP2, retry with no SP (but I think we had the same problem before upgrading to SP2), and then try with SP1.

This server had no Internet access, so it makes the upgrade process more complicated.

Any solution, workaround, hints appreciated !

Thanks for your help.

Rada

[esiebert7625]

Are you installing on a 64-bit system? That is not supported. It does support any 32 bit version of Windows 2003 regardless of SP. Are you installing from the ISO image or the EXE download? Have you tried copying the install files to the local filesystem and running it? I've also seen the new Microsoft DEP (Data Execution Prevention) block several installation programs without showing any error messages. You might try adding a exception for the VC install.

VirtualCenter Server Software Requirements

The VirtualCenter Server is supported as a service on the 32‐bit versions of these operating systems:

! Windows 2000 Server SP4 with Update Rollup 1

! Windows XP Pro (at any SP level)

! Windows 2003 (all releases except 64‐bit)

VirtualCenter 2.0 installation is not supported on 64‐bit operating systems.

You can also add an exception for the program by using System Properties in Control Panel. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.

2. Click the Advanced tab, click Performance, and then click Settings.

3. In Performance Options, click the Data Execution Prevention tab, and then click Add.

4. In the Open dialog box, locate and then click the program.

5. Click Open, click Apply, and then click OK. When you are prompted to restart your computer, click OK.

Fyi…if you find this post helpful, please award points using the Helpful/Correct buttons.

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Thanks, Eric

Visit my website: http://vmware-land.com

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[ANSA]

Assuming that you are not using the 64 Bit edition, SP2 is the suspect.

I have VC installed on 32 Bit 2003 EE with SP1 and have no problems.

[esiebert7625]

Yeah you never know what little extras you are going to get with every Microsoft SP.

[radamanthe]

Not a 64-bit system.

Tried to downgrade to SP1, same error.

I fill like the Windows Installer is corrupted somehow...

I got an error message once when I restarted after uninstalling the SP2 and it was related to Windows Installer, some log files were created, but only available when the error pop-up window was there, once closed, the entire folder (located in some temp directory) was entirely deleted.

I'll try your permissions thing.

Thanks

[esiebert7625]

You might try re-installing Windows installer and using 3.1...

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/893803

[radamanthe]

To answer to one of your first questions (it's getting dark here in Paris, and I'd like to go back home...):

EXE installation files copied locally.

I tried to install Windows Installer 3.1, but it said "The Service Pack version of this system is newer than the update you are applying".

The version installed with W2K3 SP1 is Windows ® Installer. V 3.01.4000.1830

according to my error message, which is the really close to the one from my first post (SP2 configuration, Windows ® Installer. V 3.01.4000.3959)

I think we'll go for a fresh reinstall of the server, since there's nothing really critical on it (to be checked).

Thanks

[luizhbedin]

Try this:

at command prompt type:

msiexec /unregister

msiexec /regserver

:smileygrin:

[radamanthe]

Hello,

I wasn't exactly sure of the process with the msiexec commands above.

I just typed them in the prompt and tried to launch the License Server install but it didn't work, I got the same message from Windows Installer.

If nobody's got any other idea, I think we'll go for a reinstallation of the system.

Thanks

[Randy_B]

Are you running the VMware-vcserver.exe or the .MSI? If the latter, try running the .exe.

Randy

[radamanthe]

Different ways tested:

\- run through the autorun/hta links (all 3)

\- run the .exe (licenseserver first, then all the other .exe)

Same result every time.

[elfed]

I have exactly the same error, with Windows XP 32 bit, SP2, tried all the fixes listed here, including the windows installer update, and it still fails.

Elf

[Jae_Ellers]

either connect to the server with mstsc /console or login at the console or use VNC/radmin.

Some installers simply won't work via a terminal services session.

[elfed]

er, I'm not using terminal services.

Elf

[Jae_Ellers]

er, thanks, but the OP was.

[elfed]

er, fair enough!

As there hadn't been any traffic on this post for a while, I assumed you were replying to me. Guess I shouldn't have assumed, and read back.

Just to clarify though, I'm having the same issue, and not using terminal services. So that probably isnt the issue.

Elf

[elfed]

Is it possible to use the vmware server console with esx, instead of the virtual server console? If I cannot get virtual server console to install, I need other options.

Message was edited by:

elfed

[msmenne17]

The VMware Server console will not work with ESX. They are two completely different animals.

I remember seeing a similar problem in the past. i don't remember the exact errors, but this seems very very familiar. My case turned out to be a corrupt MSI file. I re-downloaded the Virtual Center installer and all was fine after that.

[elfed]

Yeah, I've tried 2 different versions - one off the website, one direct from the vmware infrastructure page on the server. Both fail with the same issue.

[Jae_Ellers]

have you checked the md5sum?

I've never had a bit of trouble installing VC.

Do you have time to try a fresh load of the server OS? Do you have a lot of components on your 2003 server (management, backup,??).