Customization of Windows virtual machine fails after antivirus software in the guest OS is upgraded

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi 8.0

Issue/Introduction

• Customization of Windows virtual machine fails after antivirus software in the guest OS is upgraded. Error message prompts as below:
  
  Windows could not finish configuring the system. To attempt to resume configuration, restart the computer. Setup is starting services.
  
  
• Sysprep setuperr log shows error below:
  
  Error     SYSPRP MRTGeneralize:98 - ERROR: Failed ConnectServer
Error     TOOL   BCD: BiUpdateEfiEntry failed c000000d
Error     TOOL   BCD: BiExportBcdObjects failed c000000d
Error     TOOL   BCD: BiExportStoreAlterationsToEfi failed c000000d
Error     TOOL   BCD: Failed to export alterations to firmware. Status: c000000d

Environment

VMware vSphere ESXi 8.x

Cause

Virtual machine customization invokes the Windows sysprep process. It is necessary to investigate, with Microsoft’s input, whether upgrading the antivirus software affects sysprep.

Resolution

Involve Microsoft to check sysprep issue.