[Virtual server name] could not initialize. An attempt to read or update virtual machine configuration failed

An error occurred while attempting to start the selected virtual machines after a restore operation.

Symptoms

• Symptom 1:

  You may receive the following error if the restored virtual machine is in a saved state after the restore operation.

  An error occurred while attempting to start the selected virtual machines.

  'Virtual server name' could not initialize. An attempt to read or update virtual machine configuration failed

  The Hyper-Visor Console will show the following error:

  Navigate to Custom View > Events > Hyper V

  Source: Hyper-V-VMMS

  Event ID 12340

  'Saved State' cannot read key '/configuration/_ba8735ef-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-dbf3a5909915_/VideoMonitor/State' from the repository. Error: '%%2147778581'(7864368). (Virtual machine ID 70ed47fa-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-51fcedd2fdca)

  Symptom 2:

  Powering on a restored virtual machine may fail with the following error:

  An error occurred while attempting to start the selected virtual machine. Attachment "vhdname.vhd" not found.

Causes

• Cause 1:

  The issue is linked to a similar Hyper-V issue in which the virtual machine is incorrectly placed in a saved state.

  Cause 2:

  One of the VHDs is not in the specified path provided for the virtual machine setup when the initial backup was performed.

Resolution

• Resolution 1:

  In Hyper-V Manager, delete the saved state of the restored virtual machine and then power on the virtual machine. For more information on this issue, refer to the Microsoft KB article 2502233.

  Resolution 2:

  Remove the VHD file indicated in the error message from the virtual machine setup and then manually power on the virtual machine.