VMware Cloud Community
MR-T
Immortal
Immortal

Can't see boot options when viewing vm console from VC

I don't know why I've not noticed this before, but I guess I don't often require access to the VM BIOS.

From my VirtualCenter, if I power on a VM, it sits in the recent task list for 20% but doesn't actually show the console screen of the vm.

Then suddenly the screen kicks in and it's already showing windows starting.

If however, I go directly to the ESX host using the VI client everything works as you'd expect and I can see the VM console screen.

This isn't just 1 VM, it's happening with every VM I'm testing.

A nice Friday puzzle for you all.

Reply
0 Kudos
5 Replies
jasonboche
Immortal
Immortal

Par for the course from what I've seen.

Subsequent hot reboots aren't impacted by this bug if you're already viewing the console. It's only the initial power on.

If you're missing important boot menu options, what you can do for a workaround is set a 30 second timer on your Windows boot menu. You'll catch about the last 22 seconds of it. In other words, you miss about the first 8 seconds of the countdown due to black screen of nothing.

VCDX3 #34, VCDX4, VCDX5, VCAP4-DCA #14, VCAP4-DCD #35, VCAP5-DCD, VCPx4, vEXPERTx4, MCSEx3, MCSAx2, MCP, CCAx2, A+
MR-T
Immortal
Immortal

Amazing, I'm surprised I've not seen more people moaning about this.

Cheers Jase

Reply
0 Kudos
jasonboche
Immortal
Immortal

T,

I even saw this symptom to a degreen in the VC 1.x days, but it was far less severe, nonetheless, it was still there. It was much more visible when using slower ESX host hardware, like some of the boxes I tested on in my basement. PIII class stuff.

I think the issue teter-totters on the edge of "it's a nusiance, but not enough to expend effort researching". Congrats, I guess you are the first!! :smileygrin:

VCDX3 #34, VCDX4, VCDX5, VCAP4-DCA #14, VCAP4-DCD #35, VCAP5-DCD, VCPx4, vEXPERTx4, MCSEx3, MCSAx2, MCP, CCAx2, A+
Reply
0 Kudos
VirtualNoitall
Virtuoso
Virtuoso

I have noticed the same and simply wait and then reboot. I guess I have bigger fish to fry so I haven't given it much thought Smiley Happy

Reply
0 Kudos
AskChiz
Contributor
Contributor

Yep Annoying,

dont get chance to press the esc key to get vmware boot options from my own workstation but I do get the chance if I rdp onto the vc server which is on the same lan as the esx host.

Reply
0 Kudos