If your MikroTik RouterOS installation on VMware stops with a “FATAL ERROR,” the problem is likely related to the virtual hardware settings. The solution involves changing the virtual disk and operating system type.
Step 1: Change Hard Drive Controller
The installation may fail if the virtual machine uses a modern hard drive controller like SCSI.
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Go to the Virtual Machine Settings for your MikroTik VM.
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Find the Hard Drive and CD/DVD components in the hardware list.
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If the controller type is set to SCSI, you must change it to IDE.
Step 2: Set Operating System Type
The VM’s configuration needs to be generic so RouterOS doesn’t encounter any specific compatibility checks.
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In the same Virtual Machine Settings window, navigate to the Options tab.
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Under Guest Operating System, ensure the settings are configured as:
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Operating System:
Other
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Version:
Other
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After applying these changes, restart the installation. The MikroTik installation should now bypass the error and proceed successfully.
