ms virtual pc windows vista beta 2

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).
-- Ed Fitzgerald

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
"Ed Fitzgerald" wrote in message

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).
-- Ed Fitzgerald