What Causes this Error?
The potential reason that can trigger the Operating System not found error include:
ISO is not bootable – Often, the error occurs because the user is using an ISO file that is not bootable and merely contains updates. If this scenario applies to you, the issue can be resolved by using a different, bootable ISO file.VMware isn’t configured to use a physical drive – If you are using a physical disk (an optical or flash drive) for your virtual machine installation, you will need to configure VMware to recognize this in the settings. Modifying the settings associated with the VM can resolve this issue.Corrupted VM files – Sometimes, this error may be due to corrupted files within the virtual machine. In such cases, recreating the virtual machine from scratch can resolve the issue.PXE boot period is too short – The boot sequence may fail if the PXE sequence concludes before the screen prompting for user interaction is displayed. To resolve this, you can add a boot delay by modifying the .vmx file.
This article provides tested solutions that may fix the issue. The methods below are organized by efficiency and difficulty, and it is recommended to follow them in the presented order. One of these methods is likely to resolve the problem, regardless of the cause.
1. Verify that the ISO is Bootable
This issue commonly occurs when users attempt to use an ISO file containing updates rather than a bootable operating system. It is crucial to use bootable operating system media to ensure successful mounting on your virtual machine. If you encounter the error while installing an OS on VMware, start by confirming that the ISO you’re using is indeed bootable. If you determine that the ISO is not bootable, choose a different ISO or proceed to the next method.
2. Specify that You’re Using a Physical Device (if applicable)
Encountering this error may indicate a failure to specify the correct boot drive when attempting to install the OS from a bootable disk. By clearly designating the use of a physical drive within VMware’s configuration, the program gains the necessary direction to access and boot from the actual hardware, whether it be a CD, DVD, or USB drive. This adjustment bridges the gap between the physical and virtual environments, eliminating the error by guiding VMware to the correct boot path.
3. Recreate the Virtual Machine
Recreating the virtual machine basically provides a fresh start, eliminating any potential corruption or misconfigurations that might have occurred with the previous setup. By starting fresh and carefully making sure the BIOS settings are correct (preferably going for BIOS instead of UEFI if the issue persists), you increase the likelihood of a successful boot sequence without encountering the error.
4. Make Sure You See the Windows Installer Screen
In certain configurations, VMware may try to PXE boot and fail if the user doesn’t quickly enough connect with the VM and press a key at the Press any key to boot into the Windows Installer prompt. If this situation applies to you, solving the issue may be as simple as establishing a boot delay of at least 6 seconds to give you time to interact during the Press any key to boot into the Windows Installer prompt.
