Just a quick post regarding Windows 8 on vmware workstation. I just downloaded the windows 8 server beta and I was trying to boot the ISO from vmware workstation 7.
But then I recived a sad face HAL error
The reason for this is mostly because I was using vmware workstation 7.
So potensial fixes.
Fix #1
Update the VMware Version to the Latest Version 8. Download the Evaluation Version of VMware from here. [LINK]
Fix #2
When using Virtual Box, Make sure you are using the latest version [LINK]. Then set 2 processors and in the initial OS selection choose windows 7 64 bit.
Fix #3
Remove any external media like Floppy Disk, Unwanted USB Media etc.
Fix #4
Check your System Minimum Requirements. [Check Them Here]
These were some of the possible Fixes for the Hal_Initialization_Failed Error in windows 8 installation.
Happy testing!