p2v fails at 98%. Windows 7. Please help

[praxkan]

Hi

I have a windows 7 64 bit setup on host. Its one of those new annoying installs where the windows setup DVD isnt provided on purchase, but a recovery drive is put instead (which i think is criminal after making users pay for the OS but i digress)

When i do p2v, it goes upto 98% and then fails. I read some forums here that point to boot.ini stuff, but I cant find boot.ini on windows 7. Also i read thta boot.ini is no longer used in windows 7 (?)

Attaching the logs here...could you please help. I really don't want to pay microsoft another 200$ to buy another DVD of windows 7, when they've already cheated me by not providing the DVD with laptop purchase.

HELP

Thanks

[Mauro Bonder]

Welcome to the Community.

you can try do "Configure" with converter in this virtual machine

other option is add a any disk VMDK with windows 7 installation, and put original vmdk of vm converted how second VMDK, to copy boot.ini.

check too http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?cmd=displayKC&externalId=1006295 and post here a print screen of BSOD

[praxkan]

I tried configure - gives the system volume cannot be found error.

Attaching BSOD screenshot (nothing useful on it)

I tried copying the vmdk - doesnt work - just dies with bsod.

I looked at the link - they all talk about boot.ini. Windows 7 does not have boot.ini. Dont know what to do. They're all talking about older versions of windows.

HELP

[Mauro Bonder]

What type of controller you are using ?

Check out http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=1006956

Try mount fist disk of this vm how second in another virtual machine with same GuestOS to copy boot.ini, and remount how primary and start, may this can be a valid option

or can you try do a p2v again, but once you can install converter into the guest os to migrate.

Message was edited by: MauroBonder

[praxkan]

I'm using VMware vCenter Converter Standalone Client.

Maybe im a bit of a noob- but i have no idea what you just said :smileyhappy: I'm still very new to vmware, so not sure what you mean by converting again by installing converter into guest OS.

[Mauro Bonder]

No Problems.

you can do download of Converter 5.0 http://communities.vmware.com/community/vmtn/beta/public_converter_50

Install in your physical server, and you have option "This Local machine"

What type of controller you have attached in this virtual machine ? You can check it in Edit Settings of virtual machine

Please, don't forget the awarding points for "helpful" and/or "correct" answers.

Mauro Bonder - Moderator

Message was edited by: MauroBonder

[praxkan]

Thanks for the 5.0 link.

I'm unable to download though - the download link resolves to unknown/page not found. Is there a mirror I can get it from?

[continuum]

Bsod 7b ?

very good -read
http://sanbarrow.com/p2v2008r2.html

with a windows 7 recovery CD that can be done in minutes

[praxkan]

Is the ISO in that link the same as

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Create-a-system-repair-disc ?

I'm worried about downloading an ISO from a random source - in fact the reason I'm having to jump through hoops to get this working instead of just downloading a pirated win7 copy is that I need a legit VM.

[DSTAVERT]

Do understand that you will be violating the Microsoft EULA if you run this virtual machine on another physical piece of hardware. You will have re activation issues as well. Depending on how much customization the OEM made to the OS you may have other issues including stability.

[praxkan]

I'm not going to run this on another physical machine - but a VM. Also if i do a P2v I shouldn't have to reactivate it, right ? It should pick up from my current host state.

Also, If i remember right - doesnt windows 7 come with a 5 machine license ?

[continuum]

it does not matter how you download or create a recovery CD - only make sure you use a 64bit one for 64bit Windows

a P2Ved machine will run into re-activation problems - so you should use retail or volume licenses

[praxkan]

Hmm..so is it not worth the effort to try and p2v my windows7 - if its gonna fail activation anyway ? I got my windows installed by Asus when i got the laptop - I dont have the retail key.

[continuum]

very likely it would be a waste of time - yes

[praxkan]

SIGH :smileysad: Darn microsoft and its criminal licenses.