How to fix hal_initialization_failed error windows 8 virtual pc

Question

I am trying to install Windows 8 Preview onto a Virtual PC.
Using Virtual PC (Ver 6.1.7601.17514) on Windows 7 64 bit.
Get blue screen with sad face with the following error:
"hal_initialization_failed"
Message advised to look this up on the internet.
I have found a couple of posts suggesting MS Virtual PC is not compatible with Windows 8.
I hope am on the right forum now, this is the 3trd time I am posting this as I could not find the right palce to ask this question.
Could anyone please confirm if this should work with Virtual PC?

 

In the meantime,

I have also tried using Virtual Box which gets a bit further than MS Virtual PC.

I gets to the end of installing the files and then get the following error:

 

"Windows cannot install required files. The file does not exist. Make sure all files required for installation are available, anbd then resart the installation. Error code: 0x80070003"

 

I checked the CD and even re-downloaded, so all the expected files should be there.

 

Answer 1

Hi Mr Cheese,

I suggest you read the thread at the link given below, it should help:

http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/windowsdeveloperpreviewgeneral/thread/eceed57c-9a14-4a1d-9994-929e731ed999

You may also read Running Windows 8 Developer Preview in a virtual environment.

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Irfan

Answer 2

So if I read the article correctly I see that Microsoft Preview will NOT work on a Microsoft virtualisation platform (way to go MS).

Any information that hints at this working states using they are using VMware.

Could someone at Microsoft please make this a little clearer?

What Virtaulisation platform can be used to install Win 8 Preview that will actually work?

If the answer is VMWare, I can't do this as I do not own a VMWare license, and this should have been stated on the Windows 8 Preview site.

 

Answer 3

Hi Mr Cheese,

have edited my reply above to add another link, sorry I couldn't see your last post. Please read my new link here and see if it answers your question.

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Irfan

Answer 4

OK. This confirms that MS Virtual PC wll not work.

Is does suggest that VBox should work though.

I am still getting this error when I use VBox:

"Windows cannot install required files. The file does not exist. Make sure all files required for installation are available, anbd then resart the installation. Error code: 0x80070003"

I will check some post I beleive had info on VBox and post here if I get any success.

Answer 5

Using this info, showing VBox settings, from link below, I was able to get Win 8 up and running using VBox.

http://geekswithblogs.net/RollingIT/archive/2011/09/14/getting-hands-on-with-virtual-machine-of-windows-8.aspx

Just having some issues with the Drivers, but it working.