Microsoft Virtual Server: The virtual machine could not be started. The account name and password are invalid.
If you copy a .vmc file and modify it using a text editor you’ll probably get this error message when you try to start the machine:
The virtual machine could not be started. The virtual machine could not be started. The account name and password are invalid.
(Note the repetition of the first sentence in the error message.)
The problem is that Virtual Server assumes you’re up to no good and invalidates the stored password for the credentials specified in the .vmc file.
The solution is to click the machine in the Virtual Server Administration web site and select the Edit Configuration item. Then select the General Properties option, then re-enter the password, and, finally, click the OK button.
The machine should now start.
S h o r t S t o r i e s 
You just seriously saved me a whole bunch of heartache, I never would have suspected that!
Randy
January 24, 2012 at 10:58 pm