I was very recently trying to re-image a Windows 2003 server with Windows 2008. Unfortunately, I was getting an Error code Error Code 0x0000005D – Please hold down the power button. I tried changing the SCSI controller, VM Hardware update, etc but nothing worked. However, I was bit lucky to get a solution. I changed guest operating system profile as “Microsoft Windows Server 2008” in General Options under “Options” available at the Virtual Machines Properties”.

Thanks,
Winteladmin