I have recently virtualized a Server 2008 machine using VMware. The virtualization was successful and the VM runs fine. I am trying to upgrade it to 2008 R2, and the upgrade appears to complete successfuly as I am able to login once and use the server. However, once I reboot in, the server gets to "Applying computer settings..." and then reboots and it does this in an endless loop. I am never able to login to the server again. I have turned off automatic reboot and tried it in safemode with the same results. I have tried uninstalling VM Tools, and using R2 with and without SP1, all with no difference. I'm not sure what to do next to troubleshoot this issue. I do have the machine snapshotted so I can revert back after the failed upgrades.

If you want to do-it-yourself then you can get the tools here to help you read the mini dmp file. Otherwise you should start a support case with Microsoft product support. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/gg463012 Might also ask them here. http://communities.vmware.com/index.jspa Regards, Dave Patrick .... Microsoft Certified Professional Microsoft MVP [Windows]

Hello, it seems as you have BSODs. Use Microsoft Skydrive and upload dump files (c:\windows\minidumps). Once done, post a link here. You can also contact Microsoft CSS. To start, run msconfig and disable all startup items except Microsoft ones. Also, update all possible drivers. This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees , and confers no rights. Microsoft Student Partner 2010 / 2011 Microsoft Certified Professional Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator: Security Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer: Security Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows 7, Configuring Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Administrator Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Server Administrator

Hi, I would like to suggest you update the BIOS and the hardware drivers first. You may also analyze them with Debugging Tools by yourself. You can install it and it’s Symbol Packages from the following link: http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/Devtools/Debugging/default.mspx WinDbg will tell you the possible cause. For more information, please read Microsoft KB article below: How to read the small memory dump files that Windows creates for debugging http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315263 If no clue can be found, you may contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support (CSS) via telephone so that a dedicated Support Professional can assist with your request. To troubleshoot this kind of kernel crash issue, we need to debug the crashed system dump. Unfortunately, debugging is beyond what we can do in the forum. Please be advised that contacting phone support will be a charged call. To obtain the phone numbers for specific technology request please take a look at the web site listed below: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;OfferProPhone#faq607 Regards,Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.