Windows Server 2016 Essentials Configuration Wizard failure on VMware ESXi 6.5 virtual machine is likely due to a compatibility issue rather than a problem with the VM itself. To resolve this, try the following steps.
Table of Contents
Problem Description
You set up a virtual machine using ESXi 6.5 and uploaded an ISO of Windows Server 2016 Essentials. Everything seemed fine initially. You named the machine, assigned an IP address, and added it to the domain.
After rebooting, the Windows 2016 Essentials Configuration Wizard failed. It prompted you to restart and try again, but repeated attempts didn’t help. Despite all Essential services running, the Essential Management Service stops when the wizard fails. The software vendor blamed the virtual machine setup.
The detail error message as below:
Configuration encountered some issues
Please restart the server, and then run the configuration wizard again. If the issue still exists please refer to the help link for more troubleshooting steps.
Solution 1: Check Compatibility
Ensure ESXi 6.5 supports Windows Server 2016 Essentials. Compatibility issues might cause the configuration wizard to fail.
Solution 2: Update VMware Tools
Install the latest version of VMware Tools on the virtual machine. This ensures better integration and performance.
Solution 3: Review Event Logs
Check the Event Viewer for any error messages related to the Essentials Management Service stopping. This may provide clues to the underlying cause. Look under Application and System logs for specific errors during the wizard process.
Solution 4: Service Dependencies
Verify that all dependent services for the Essential Management Service are running. Some services might not start automatically on a virtual environment.
Solution 5: Network Configuration
Double-check the network settings. Ensure the virtual network adapter is correctly configured and that there are no IP conflicts. Verify the VM’s network settings are correct and it can communicate with the domain controller.
Solution 6: Resource Allocation
Make sure the virtual machine has enough allocated resources (CPU, RAM). Insufficient resources can cause service failures. Ensure the VM meets the minimum system requirements for Windows Server 2016 Essentials, including:
- 2 CPU cores
- 8 GB RAM
- 160 GB disk space
Solution 7: Clean Installation
If the issue persists, try creating a new VM with the same specifications and reinstall Windows Server 2016 Essentials. Sometimes corrupted files or misconfigurations during the initial setup can cause issues.
Solution 8: Contact Microsoft Support
If none of these steps resolve the problem, consider reaching out to Microsoft support for further assistance, as they can better diagnose any potential issues with the Windows Server 2016 Essentials software itself.
Additional Tips
- Snapshot Before Changes: Take a snapshot of the virtual machine before making changes. This allows you to revert to the last known good state if something goes wrong.
- Consult Forums and Knowledge Bases: Microsoft and VMware forums can be valuable resources. Users often share similar issues and solutions.
Remember, running Windows Server 2016 Essentials on a supported hypervisor like VMware ESXi 6.5 is a common practice and should not cause issues if the VM is properly configured and meets the minimum requirements.