Restore a Windows Server 2008 RC2 from VMWare VDX file

I have to investigate one of the Domain Controller running Windows Server 2008 RC2 from a Backup VMware folder that contain VDX file. This is a snapshot of running Server from last month from other remote backup Datastore.

Restore a Cloned Virtual Machine

In VCenter go to the Datastore that contain VDX file
Right Click VDX file and register VM with different than the running one. EX: SrvrRecovery
After that change the Datastore from backup to our production Datastore
Now when you fire up the Machine it will have a lot of problem because the disk is Write Protected, Hidden and it has Nodefault Driver Letter so the Boot Procedure will fail. To overcome that

Change the value of the disk.EnableUUID parameter to False: Vcenter -> Host -> SrvrRecovery (PowerOFF) -> Actions -> Edit Settings -> VM Options -> Advanced -> Configuration Parameters -> Edit Configuration -> disk.EnableUUID-> False

Ajust booting flags on Primary Boot Partition

VCenter -> SrvrRecoveryPowerON -> Connect Windows Server 2008 RC2 .iso and boot into it.

Optional: change your network card to other place or temporary disable 

When Host bootup -> Esc -> Boot from CD -> Choose Repair your computer -> Select Command Prompt Option.

diskpart
list volume
select volume 1
attributes volume
attributes volume clear nodefaultdriveletter
attributes volume clear hidden
attributes volume clear readonly
exit

Rebuild Boot Configuration Data

In command Prompt 

bootrec /rebuildbcd
type Y (yes)
exit

After it complete successfully exit the prompt and restart the server 

Yeah man! the Virtual server is coming back

Reference:

https://neosmart.net/wiki/winload-exe-missing-corrupt

http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=2004505

http://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/fix-media-is-write-protected-in-windows-7/