During the installation of macOS Big Sur on VMware workstation, I have encountered a weird error. It was like “The operating could not be completed (BiError Domain Error 3.).”I ignored the message thinking it is a minor problem that could be solved after the installation. However, during the phase to install macOS Big Sur on disk I was unable. Let me explain it a little bit more.
I was creating a virtual machine on VMware workstation using macOS Big Sur beta version. The virtual machine was created, the disk was successfully erased by disk utility and the only thing left was to select a disk and install the macOS.
However, I was not able to select the disk. There was a (BiError Domain Error 3.) which was on the disk, and the reason behind the error can be BI “Board ID”. Remember that it is against Apple’s policy to use any macOS on any device other than Apple. So, on the non-availability of any Mac’s BI, the macOS might be stopping the installation.
The same problem (BiError Domain Error 3.) was also experienced in Virtual Box, parallels, and even on Mac. There were moments where users were unable to install macOS Big Sur beta version on Mac. On Mac, the problem might be from the OS, as it is still in beta. But in VMware or Virtual Box, it can’t due to beta version. I had faced the same problem with macOS Catalina on VMware.
So, here is how I have found my way on “BiError Domain Error 3.” on VMware workstation and Virtual Box.
Fix operation couldn’t be completed (BIErrorDomian error 3.)
1. Fix (BiError Domain Error 3.) on VMware
The first thing you will need to do is to find the model and id. Go to VM configuration > Hardware > Boot Order > Advanced Settings > Boot flags. Now, enter the following:
ioreg -1 | grep board-id
sysct1 hw .model
Type the first command and note the Model ID, then type the second command and note down the Board ID. There should be commands like:
hw.model = “MacBookPro14,3”
board-id = “Mac-551B86E5744E2388”
If you haven’t installed any macOS on VMware yet then skip these two steps given above and continue below.
Now, to solve the problem on VMware, you will need to open the virtual machine folder. Find the specific folder of your virtual machine. Normally the default location of VM on VMware is like Document > Virtual Machine. Now, right-click on “macOSBigSurBeta.vxm” and open it with Notepad.
Scroll down at the bottom of the text and paste one of the following codes given. Paste the codes in the Notepad, save the file and exit.
First code:
smbios.reflectHost = “TRUE”
hw.model = “MacBookPro14,3”
board-id = “Mac-551B86E5744E2388”
Second code:
smbios.reflectHost = “TRUE”
hw.model = “MacBookPro15,3”
board-id = “Mac-1E7E29ADo135F9BC”
If by any chance, the code doesn’t solve your issues, then we would recommend you, to delete your current virtual machine and create a new virtual, do the installation again. Other then these two methods, there absolutely no other way to fix the problem.
2. Fix (BiError Domain Error 3.) on Virtual box
Before fixing (BiError Domain Error 3.) on virtual box, close the virtual box application running in the background. Remember that the following command won’t work on other macOS inside the virtual box.
Copy the commands given below and paste them in a Notepad. Before saving the notepad, please replace the “Your VM Name” with the name of the macOS Big Sur virtual machine.
cd “C:\Program Files\Oracle\VirtualBox\”
VBoxManage.exe modifyvm “Your VM Name” –cpuidset 00000001 000106e5 00100800 0098e3fd bfebfbff
VBoxManage setextradata “Your VM Name” “VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/Config/DmiSystemProduct” “iMac19,1”
VBoxManage setextradata “Your VM Name” “VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/Config/DmiSystemVersion” “1.0”
VBoxManage setextradata “Your VM Name” “VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/Config/DmiBoardProduct” “Mac-AA95B1DDAB278B95”
VBoxManage setextradata “Your VM Name” “VBoxInternal/Devices/smc/0/Config/DeviceKey” “ourhardworkbythesewordsguardedpleasedontsteal(c)AppleComputerInc”
VBoxManage setextradata “Your VM Name” “VBoxInternal/Devices/smc/0/Config/GetKeyFromRealSMC” 1
Let move forward and run the command prompt as admin. You can access the command prompt on the Start menu by typing the command prompt. Right-click on command prompt and run as admin.
Copy the first line of the command and paste it in command prompt. Press Enter to apply the command.
Now, copy the rest of the command from the Notepad. Paste them in the command prompt and press Enter on your keyboard. When all the commands are applied close all the tabs and go ahead and open the Virtual Box. Click on Start and do the installation.
The operation couldn’t be completed (BIErrorDomian error 3.) is a small error that can be fixed effortlessly. You just need someone to guide you. And this was what we tried to do. Still, if you have any kind of confusion or suggestion please comment down.
