3 failed VM attempts - W8 and Linux Mint

After adding a third 2TB HDD to my main rig I decided to have a go at running a VM for the first time. Setting up the VM was pretty straight forward and went without a hitch, however, I've failed to get one running using three different ISOs so far.

Firstly I thought I'd give the Windows 8.1 Enterprise trial a whirl, basically just so I could get some extended time on W8 to prove to myself that I really do dislike it. I downloaded the 64-bit ISO from Microsoft and mounted it into the VM, but when I opened the VM the W8 install told me my PC needed repairing and that I didn't have 64-bit processor (which I do).
So having questioned the integrity of the ISO I downloaded the 32-bit version, and that didn't even get that far. I can't remember the problem that said it was having via command prompt but I just quit. It was bugging me more than I wanted to use W8.

So I opted for Linux Mint. That seemed to be going swimmingly, but once past the auto load countdown it just sat there with a Linux Mint logo for over half an hour. I tried it three times with no joy.

I did delete each VM in between trying to mount different ISOs so I don't think that was the problem. Any ideas where I went wrong?

Nothing to add, just repeat what Derek already said: Which virtualization program? Impossible to assist you if we do not know are you trying to install Windows 8.1 Enterprise Trial and Linux Mint on Microsoft Virtual PC, Oracle VirtualBox, VMware or what?

@derekimo

derekimo said:

Another possible, do you have virtualization enabled in the bios?

I believe this requirement is no longer necessary for any virtual software like vmware player, virtual box or Microsoft virtual pc. But It does improve performance sometimes. But again, we do not know what program they are using.

What about 64bit guests?

I don't see the requirement for Virtualbox, https://www.virtualbox.org/manual/ch...lation_windows

VirtualPC is 32bit guests only, but it still lists it as a requirement http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/downl...s.aspx?id=3702

VMWare seems to suggest it does, VMware KB: Hardware and firmware requirements for 64-bit guest operating systems

Either way, I just enabled mine right after I got this PC, so I tossed it out there.

Yeah sorry, I forgot to add it was Windows Virtual PC I was using, I was in a bit of a rush when I posted last night and missed that out. I followed Brink's tutorial to the letter.

BJB said:

Yeah, you can't simply mount the ISO in your VM. As said, you have to install it as you would on any computer.

Wrong word used I suppose, I used that term as I used an ISO (step 13A in the tutorial above) as opposed to mounting the ISO to a DVD.

derekimo said:

Here's a list of supported OS's for Virtual PC,

Supported Guest Operating Systems in Windows Virtual PC

Well that explains my failures with Windows Virtual PC, many thanks mate. I thought I could just bung any OS on there.

derekimo said:

Personally I prefer VMWare myself, I've used all three though.

Download VMware Player 6.0.2 - FileHippo.com

I'll give that a look this week, hopefully tonight when I get home from work. I just thought I'd have a play around yesterday as I had a few hours and 2TB spare.