I guess, many are currently trying to install Windows Vista Pre-RC1 on VMware Workstation and will run into the same problems as I did. After loading the files from the ISO image, it seems that the Vista setup hangs.

However, it is not really hanging. Vista Pre-RC1 just has a problem with the graphics driver of VMware Workstation. Thus, it is not possible to install Vista Pre-RC1 this way. There is a workaround though:

First, install Vista Pre-RC1 under VMware Server, then install VMware tools. These tools contain a SVGA driver that will also work on VMware Workstation. When you boot up Vista in a VMware Workstation virtual machine, you will see a black screen for a while. This is due to the fact that the right graphics card driver is not yet loaded. Just let it going until the login screen appears.

Vista Pre-RC1 has another problem with VMware Workstation (and Server). If you shut down Vista, you’ll get a blue screen. Somehow, it seems to me that Pre-RC1 did not improve compared to Beta 2. Presently, I have found three problems already that I didn’t encounter in Beta 2. I wonder, if Microsoft will really be able keep their planned ship date.

Update: The workaround in this post is not the best solution. Please check out this post for an easier way to install Windows Vista RC1 on VMware Workstation.

Update: If you want to install Vista RC2 on VMware Workstation or Server please check out this post.