ubuntu 14.04 desktop amd64 installation fails with kernel panic under vmware

Question

I've just downloaded ubuntu-14.04-desktop-amd64.iso, created new VM in VMWare Workstation 7.1.6 build-744570 using

• Typical -> I will install the OS later
• Linux / Ubuntu 64-bit

VM Settings:

• 2GB virtual RAM
• 20GB virtual HDD
• 1 virtual processor Intel VT x/EPT or AMD-V/RVI
• CD using ISO image I've downloaded
• NAT
• USB
• Sound Card Auto detect
• Display: no 3D Acceleration / Use host setting (tried 1 monitor / 1024x768 as well)

Booting and it fails with

RIP native_write_cr4
Kernel panic - not syncing: Attempted to kill the idle task!

Here is the screenshot:

Where's the problem?

Solution

There are some boot options. When you are booting, press any-key (space) then press F6 and try several options. For me, nolapic option makes ubuntu 14.04 to boot.

Comments

[Admin]

Unfortunately the same problem persists with 32bit version:

[Admin]

pdebski.wordpress.com/2014/04/19/…

[Admin]

@Jobin AFAIK VMWare tools shall be installed in the guest when the guest system is already running. Not sure how to add drivers on the first boot.

[Admin]

I've solved the problem already some time ago: there was a bug in VMWare causing it to report wrong number of processor cores to the guest (true one instead of guest virtual one set in options). Ubuntu got confused trying to use 4 processor cores while having only one available. After installing patches to the VMWare problem disappeared automagically.

[Admin]

As the question is closed not sure how I can answer this question so the whole community can benefit. Hence the comment.