I'm trying to install Vista 5728-16387 on VMware Server 1.0.1 hosted on XP x64, on a Dell Precision 380 w/4GB of RAM, single 500GB SATA drive, and VT enabled.
I found out relatively quickly that I have to use a physical (burned) DVD. If I try to use the .iso directly, it stops and asks for CD/DVD drivers. For the 32-bit Vista, I'm using a 16GB partition, for 64-bit, 24GB (defaults). DVD is in the host machine's DVD drive.
I've done most of the attempts so far with the 32-bit Vista DVD. Main symptom is that it gets to the "Expanding Files" portion of the install, and takes a long time. It spends somewhere around 30 minutes at 0%, goes to 18%, and stays there for something like 3-5 hours. Then, it produces an error:
"Windows cannot install required files. The file may be corrupt or missing. Make sure all files required for installation are available, and restart the installation. Error code: 0x80070017"
Have done this several times with the 32-bit DVD. I saw elsewhere that one of the main workarounds for Vista was to set the config file to 640x480. I did that, and the install then went to 640x480, but arrived at the same error. I don't think that particular workaround is needed for my problem anyway, since I'm not having display issues (at least not yet.)
I am now attempting the same produced with the 64-bit DVD. So far, it spent around 40 minutes Expanding Files at 0%. Now it's at 12%.... wait, 16%.
I figure if the 64-bit install bombs in the same way, then it's less likely that I jut burned a bad DVD, and there is some other problem.