VMWARE create EFI Virtual machine (solved)

Hi guys

if using VMWARE and you want to create a EFI VM just create the VM normally -- use "Other OS" and I will install the OS later. (This is if in the advanced features the UEFI option is greyed out --in VMWare Workststion. In player you'll have to add the line in any case as shown as you won't have the advance options menu). VMWare workstation users only add the line / change the line if the UEFI option is greyed out.

Now don't start the new vm but edit the vmx file and add the line firmware = "efi"

e.g

...............................
ide1:0.present = "TRUE"
usb.present = "TRUE"
ehci.present = "TRUE"
svga.graphicsMemoryKB = "786432"
firmware = "efi" <=================
ethernet0.addressType = "generated"
ethernet0.virtualDev = "e1000"
serial0.fileType = "thinprint"
serial0.fileName = "thinprint"
ethernet0.present = "TRUE"
serial0.present = "TRUE"

.................................................

Now under advanced options you will see the boot as EFI with options of secure boot --I never use the secure boot though just the EFI.


when installing the Guest OS from an iso image boot the VM with Power on to Firmware and then choose the cd rom in the UEFI virtual BIOS.

You don't need to do anything to the virtual hard disks - the guest OS install should handle all that stuff -- however if any problems in creating gpt virtual hard drive just boot a partition manager / recovery iso and create a gpt drive the standard way. Then go back and re-try the guest OS install.

If you have VMWare player you'll have to add the boot to firmware option as well in the vmx file to get the BIOS menu for boot . Change FALSE to TRUE if the line exists or add it if it doesn't exist.

bios.forceSetupOnce = "TRUE"

This forces the boot to firmware one time -- afte boot vmware resets this to false so you need to change it back again if in VMWARE player if you need to boot to the virtual BIOS

Also to get a longer delay in the boot bios display options

add the following
bios.bootDelay = "xxxx" where xxxx is in millisecs (10E-03 secs).

BTW to reverse / undo the changes simply change the line back to firmware = "bios"



Have fun !!!

Cheers
jimbo