Starting the Linux virtual machine fails with the error: Kernel Panic - not syncing: IO-APIC + timer doesn't work! Boot with no apic:

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

Symptoms:

• Cannot boot the Linux virtual machine
• Starting the Linux virtual machine fails
• You see the error:
  
  Kernel Panic - not syncing: IO-APIC + timer doesn't work! Boot with apic=debug and send report. Then trying booting with the 'noapic option

Environment

VMware ESX 4.0.x
VMware ESXi 4.1.x Embedded
VMware ESX 4.1.x
VMware ESXi 4.0.x Embedded
VMware ESXi 4.1.x Installable
VMware ESXi 4.0.x Installable

Resolution

This issue is resolved in ESX/ESXi 4.1 Update 2. To download ESX/ESXi 4.1 Update 2, see the VMware Download Center.

To resolve this issue when you do not want to upgrade to ESX/ESXi 4.1 Update 2, set the CPU/MMU virtualization to Use software for instruction set and MMU Virtualization.

To change the CPU/MMU virtualization:

1. Log in to the VMware vSphere Client.
2. In the virtual machine inventory, right-click the virtual machine and click Edit Settings. The Virtual Machine Properties dialog appears.
3. Click the Options tab.
4. Set CPU/MMU Virtualization to Use software for instruction set and MMU Virtualization.
5. Power cycle the virtual machine.