Solved 3 failed VM attempts - W8 and Linux Mint

[Boozad]

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?

 

[derekimo]

What VM software are you using?

You are saying "Mount" , I have always created a VM then done an actual OS install to that machine just like a regular install.

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

 

[BJB]

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

 

[Kari]

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?

 

[andrew129260]

@derekimo

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.

 

[derekimo]

What about 64bit guests?

I don't see the requirement for Virtualbox, https://www.virtualbox.org/manual/ch02.html#installation_windows

VirtualPC is 32bit guests only, but it still lists it as a requirement http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.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.

 

[Boozad]

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.

 

[Boozad]

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]

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.

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

Supported Guest Operating Systems in Windows Virtual PC

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

Download VMware Player 6.0.2 - FileHippo.com

 

[Boozad]

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.

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.

 

[derekimo]

You're welcome, it's good fun. Play away.

 

[Boozad]

So I finally got my VM running with VM Ware (thanks Derek!) but again had problems installing Windows 8.1 64-bit. I have the 32-bit running as a Guest and decided to Google the error message I received when trying to install the 64- bit and came across this identical problem. Looks like it could be a firmware issue with my Z87.

Not a major issue, but one of those niggling little problems that will take me countless hours of research (and no doubt painful cock ups!) to try and resolve. Probably ultimately in vain! At least I have a VM running now, and Windows 8.1.whatever is horrid!

 

[3D Jed]

I ran into the same VMware 32bit 64bit problem. My 2600K would not run a 64 bit guest, whereas my old i7 930 would (both x64 Windows). Seems it's a cpu thing - it's got to have 'Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O'. Some have, some don't. Looks like your i5 4670K doesn't (see snip from Intel page)



I don't know if this applies to platforms other than VMware

 

[derekimo]

So I finally got my VM running with VM Ware (thanks Derek!) but again had problems installing Windows 8.1 64-bit. I have the 32-bit running as a Guest and decided to Google the error message I received when trying to install the 64- bit and came across this identical problem. Looks like it could be a firmware issue with my Z87.

Not a major issue, but one of those niggling little problems that will take me countless hours of research (and no doubt painful cock ups!) to try and resolve. Probably ultimately in vain! At least I have a VM running now, and Windows 8.1.whatever is horrid!

I saw that same thread when I was looking for info on your board last night, I think 3D Jed is on to something below. If you feel like testing you could try it with https://www.virtualbox.org/ , we already know that you can't run 64bit guests in Virtual PC.

I ran into the same VMware 32bit 64bit problem. My 2600K would not run a 64 bit guest, whereas my old i7 930 would (both x64 Windows). Seems it's a cpu thing - it's got to have 'Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O'. Some have, some don't. Looks like your i5 4670K doesn't (see snip from Intel page)

View attachment 316740

I don't know if this applies to platforms other than VMware

 

[3D Jed]

FYI - in my earlier post re x64 guest and directed I/O, I was referring to VMware Workstation 9 (not the free player).

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there

when installing Linux GUESTS from a LIVE CD ensure you install the NON UEFI version or you'll have all sorts of silly problems.

Usually you'll see either a choice in the boot menu or one saying something like boot in compatibility mode.

Then you should be good to go -- and at boot loader time choose the GRUB2 version not the GRUB2-EFI.

Linux mint, OPENSUSE and DEBIAN all have UEFI as well as non UEFI boot options. using NON UEFI on a VM IMO gets round a load of problems.


Cheers
jimbo

 

[Boozad]

Thanks for the input all, much appreciated as always. I can live with running 32-bit guests, I'm only really using them for evaluation and learning purposes anyway so it's not that much of a problem. I'll be trying Linux soon enough when I'm bored of convincing myself I don't like Windows 8 so that will come in real useful Jimbo.

Derek, I'll certainly give Virtualbox a whirl, I'm enjoying the experimenting!

 

[Boozad]

64-bit problem sorted, I eventually got round to enabling virtualisation in the BIOS and all's good in the world. Time to party with some Linux distros.

 

[andrew129260]

Try zorin 64bit. I think you will like it. Handles windows apps nativity too. As in double click an exe file and no error message.

 

[Boozad]

I'll certainly give that a go mate.