Windows Server 2012 Essentials Install Failing

[revengineer]

Hi,
I could use some help getting Windows Server 2012 Essentials (not R2) installed on VirtualBox 4.3.6. I have done this with a previous version of VirtualBox without issues. However trying with v4.3.6, the installer goes through the initial copy of files and then needs to reboot. The reboot ends at the repair screen giving error KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED, and the system collects information. After that it goes into a reboot loop, whereby at the end each reboot a vague error message pops up: "The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error. windows installation cannot proceed..." I am using the standard Windows 2012 settings and create a 250 GB dynamic virtual harddisk. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[socratis]

Please read the following: Minimum information needed for assistance.

[revengineer]

Here the additional info

1. Using VirtualBox for Windows v4.3.6 with Guest Additions; the host OS is Windows 7 x64.
2. Guest is Windows Server 2012 Essentials (x64). The VM has 2 gigs memory (default), the host has 8 gigs memory.
3. Guest log is attached.

Thx.

[socratis]

I couldn't find anything wrong from your log files. But there are two things:
- Were you able to see the actual STOP error (0x1E, 0x24?)
- Have you taken a look at this Win8.1/Win2012 dedicated thread?

[revengineer]

Thank you for checking the log; I did not find a smoking gun in the log files either. The error message in the OP is not the typical blue screen and there is no stop code given. The error KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED is given "later reference" as the page displayed. I looked at the post you referenced but these seem to be issues that are Windows 8.1 or Server 2012 R2 related. Both of these OS run without issue here. Also Windows Server 2012 Standard installs just fine. It is just the Essentials edition of the initial Windows Server 2012 release that does not work. I went through numerous permutations with the option (different chipsets, different cpu options, differen hard disks, etc) without success. It's puzzling...

[socratis]

May be it's time to open an account in the Bugtracker?

[revengineer]

Maybe so. I have asked the community in a different forum for help. Mainly I am interested if they can reproduce the issue. If that is the case, I will file a bug report.

[whozatmac]

I can confirm that I am experiencing the same problem.

VirtualBox 4.3.6 r91406

Windows 7 Professional x64 SP1

Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials downloaded from trial site.

Intel Q9450 (c2q) with 8 Gb

VM created with default options for windows 2012 64 bit (only changes, number of cores, amount of memory, and selection of appropriate iso)

Steps I have tried

Starting the installation over and reformatting the 'virtual disk'

Deleting and recreating the VM, with more attention paid, in case I clicked something stupid.

Same error sequence and boot loop.

[sliv]

I can confirm the same issue. I reran setup and it looks like Windows is able to create the necessary partitions. I haven't been able to progress beyond the first reboot.

[duchono]

I can confirm same issue too.
Windows essentials 2012 R2 installed on virtualbiox 4.2 version of virtualbox freeze sometimes in "stuck" state. After upgrade to 4.3.6 version of virtualbox that ends in BSOD.
Fresh install end on firts reboot.

[sliv]

Not super helpful for fixing this in virtualbox, but if you just want to test the OS, I got it working in VMware player without a hitch.