I installed Windows 8.1 on a virtual machine.  Then I launched setup from the same installation disk image.  After about an hour Windows reported "We couldn't install Windows 8.1."  Curious, I wonder what's the trouble.  For a picture take a gander at this:  http://www.mdrsesco.biz/

Is this an install from DVD or are you trying to update to 8.1 through the App Store?

Log files should be kept here: $Windows.~BT\sources\Panther or $Windows.~BT\sources\Rollback.

Picture this. An ISO DVD image is on a file share. I start the installation from a "mounted" drive letter that is the ISO on the share. All goes well until the installation kills the share and the installation is unable to continue. This produces the usual "An error occurred." message. On my next go round I copied the files from the "mounted" drive letter to the virtual machine and launched from the C:\ drive. No problems whatsoever.

Perhaps this is caused by third pty virtualization. Ask support/forum your virtualization vendor.

However in my experience when I mount iso image that sits on c drive, the installation is faster than from DVD. I use Hyper-V. (In addition to this I use SSD disk.)

HTH

Milos

No 3rd party involved here. I'm using Hyper-V under Windows 2012 Server. The C:\ drive is on the virtual hard disk drive and in the scenario that uses the C:\ drive the installation does not fail.  The failure mode involves a network shared drive and a mounted ISO image of the Windows 8.1 DVD.  During installation it is highly likely the network connection gets unplugged without notifying the installation routines.  "An error occurred." is all we learn from Microsoft. Anyway this is all academic.  Nobody is losing valuable production time because of this.  Windows could explain the problem but that would violate policy. 

Hi,

Please make sure your ISO file is working fine and then follow this guide to check your operation:

http://www.hyper-v-mart.com/HowTo/Create_HyperV_Virtual_Machine.aspx

Please Note: Since the website is not hosted by Microsoft, the link may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.

Meanwhile, it's suggested you ask in Windows Server 2012 forum for more professional help.

https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windowsserver/en-US/home?forum=winserverhyperv

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