Windows Server 2012 Template issue

[sssstew]

Hi All

So ive downloaded the RTM version of Server 2012 and built a VM in our ESX 5.0 environment all without issue, turned the VM into a template then Deployed a machine from this template but upon booting up this new machine it just sits at the Windows booting screen (the part where the windows logo is shown after the BIOS) and doesnt go any further.  So far ive left it 20 mins without any movement, the small little circle with dots is going around below the windows logo so its still active in someway and its still using 100% CPU but just no progressing.

Anyone else had any issues making a 2012 template?

Any suggestions for fixing?

Ta

Stew

[MKguy · Accepted solution]

Sounds like the same issue I had when I first installed a VM with 2012 RTM, which was fixed by using EFI instead of the regular BIOS (requires reinstall). Check http://kb.vmware.com/kb/2021887 and maybe http://kb.vmware.com/kb/2006859 too while you're at it.

I haven't tried deploying it as a template yet though.

Anyways, with vSphere 5.1 being released tomorrow-ish (and maybe 5.0 U2?), there might be a fix or two around some bugs when running 2012.

Currently, 5.0 U1 supports 2012/W8 with Support Considerations:Tech Preview only.

[sssstew]

Perfect thanks for the link and info MKGuy, this solved my issue, i built a new template and chose the BIOS type of UEFI before installing windows, completed my install with customisations then turned it into a template and did a Deploy Virtual Machine from this Template which completed its boot then sysprep.

[MKguy]

Also, you and everyone who deployed Server 2012 VMs on 5.0 U1 should be aware of this circumstance when upgrading to 5.1, essentially preventing vMotion:

Snapshots and checkpoints of virtual machines with Windows 8 or Windows Server 2012 do not boot