Image-based Backup Restored as VMDK File Fails on Subsequent Attempts to Run the Virtual Machine

Situation

You restored an image-based backup with MBR volume as a VMDK file, then tried to run VMware virtual machine. Failure occurs on the BIOS initialization.

Cause

There are several causes for the occurrence of this error, such as an invalid partition table or operating system that cannot be found for some reason.

Solution

Create a bootable USB. To learn how to do it, refer to the Recovery Disk chapter of the help documentation.

Note that the recovery ISO must be created using Windows 7/8 or Windows Server 2008/2012.

Consider rebuilding the boot record, boot sector, and boot configuration data for your restored machine/instance from the Command Prompt:

After you boot the instance, enter the Windows Recovery Environment (usually accessed by pressing F8 or SHIFT + F8 on the "Press Any Key" screen or Windows logo screen).

Open the Command Prompt (it could be inside the "System Recovery Options" menu or the "Repair Computer" menu).

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd