MS Virtual PC and Windows Vista Beta 2

[Guest]

I downloaded the beta twice. I tried using Virtual PC by capturing an ISO
image. This failed because MS Virtual PC can handle ISO images up to a
maximum size of 2.2 GB (see Help file). I then tried burning a DVD using Nero
(twice), with verification of tyhe burned DVD data. After creating a new
virtual machine in Virtual PC, I tried booting off the DVD. It would run
through the phase of asking for the Serial Number. IT would then bomb with
the error message "Setup failed to open the Windows image file". Taking a
wild guess, I think this could have happened because the Sources subdirectory
on the DVD contains a file "install.wim" that is 2.85 GB long - too long for
MS Virtual PC to handle? I then downloaded a trial version of VMWare. This
software (Version 5.5) included an option to choose Windows Vista as the
guest O/S! I was able to install Windows Vista from the DVD successfully
using VMWare, showing the problem wasn't in the DVD.

I conclude that it is not possible to install Windows Vista Beta 2 install
on a virtual machine created by MS Virtual PC. The only down side of VMWare
is it's price (~$160).

 

[Tim Carson]

Ed,

I have the beta running under VPC as I type this. I used Microsoft Virtual
CD-Rom Control Panel to mount the ISO. Then Windows (and VPC) sees the new
drive as a physical CD, and you can install Vista from it.

Worked a treat!

I always have a hard time finding the Control Panel on MS website, so I
Google for it. You can get it here:
http://www.softpedia.com/get/CD-DVD-Tools/Virtual-CD-DVD-Rom/Virtual-CDROM-Control-Panel.shtml

Cheers,
Tim