Windows Cannot Enter OS After Migration With SCMT
  

Newbie382789 Lv1Posted Oct-29-2025 18:02

Hello,

Im experiencing an issue after migrating a Windows Server using SCMT. The server fails to boot into the operating system and only displays the Windows recovery/troubleshooting screen. When attempting to troubleshoot, I tried to verify the VirtIO settings, but the VirtIO option is grayed out and cannot be enabled or disabled.

Please advise on how to resolve this issue.
AR Lv2Posted Oct-31-2025 17:34
  
Please take note of the following to fix the VirtIO option being greyed out following your Windows Server migration using SCMT:


The only way to modify the VirtIO option in HCI is to shut down the virtual machine.  The VirtIO option will be greyed out and unchangeable if the virtual machine is operating.

Furthermore, the NIC type on an HCI VM can only be set to VirtIO after installing the vmTools, and this adjustment cannot be reversed.  You can choose several NIC types, like the Intel E1000 or Realtek RTL8139, before installing vmTools, but only VirtIO is accessible after vmTools is loaded.
The migration procedure or compatibility problems could be the cause of the server's inability to boot and display of the Windows recovery screen following the migration.  You might have to verify the migration procedures and make sure the virtual machine is set up correctly after the migration.

The VM cannot be powered on or accessed normally if it is configured as a template, and console access and turning on choices will be greyed off.  Please make sure your virtual machine isn't configured as a template.

You might also wish to verify that every step of the SCMT migration process—including IP configuration and service startup following migration—was carried out appropriately for additional troubleshooting.
In conclusion:

1. To enable VirtIO option modifications, shut down the virtual machine.
2. Recognise that NIC type is set to VirtIO following vmTools installation.

3. Make sure the virtual machine isn't configured as a template.
4. Examine the configurations and procedures for SCMT migration.
dhileepan Lv1Posted Oct-30-2025 16:51
  
To resolve the issue with the VirtIO option being grayed out after migrating your Windows Server using SCMT, please note the following:

The VirtIO option can only be changed by shutting down the VM in HCI. If the VM is running, the VirtIO option will be grayed out and cannot be changed.

Additionally, after installing the vmTools on an HCI VM, the NIC type can only be set to VirtIO, and this setting cannot be changed back. Before installing vmTools, you can select other NIC types such as Realtek RTL8139 or Intel E1000, but once vmTools is installed, only VirtIO is available.

Regarding the server failing to boot and showing the Windows recovery screen after migration, this may be related to the migration process or compatibility issues. You may need to check the migration steps and ensure the VM is properly configured post-migration.

If the VM is set as a template, it cannot be powered on or accessed normally, and options like powering on or console access will be grayed out. Please verify that your VM is not set as a template.

For further troubleshooting, you may also want to check the SCMT migration process and ensure all steps were completed correctly, including IP configuration and service startup after migration.

In summary:

1. Shut down the VM to enable VirtIO option changes.
2. Understand that after vmTools installation, NIC type is fixed to VirtIO.
3. Verify the VM is not set as a template.
4. Review SCMT migration steps and configurations.

This should help you address the VirtIO setting issue and the boot problem after migration. All the best