Zen of IT

If you've come across this error, I bet you have more then 1 CPU. Remove 1 CPU, if you can start up ok then it's because a lot of manufactures label CPUs as the same when they are slightly different. Swap the CPU positions around and give it a whirl again. I cam across this error on an IBM x3650 but I'm sure you'll find it under other venders

Ever been in the situation where you have a snapshot that is not visible in Virtual Center? Ever had multiple snapshot files that you need to commit or merge into a single vmdk file? Then this link is for you! the "hassnapshot" command can be used to see if the ESX server is aware of a snapshot existing and the "removesnapshots" command can be used to commit the snapshot data to the "live" vmdk. This means you stay in the current state and lose no data but everything is consolidated back down to the single VMDK file.
http://www.esxguide.com/esx/content/view/2/25/