"Error 219 - The operation cannot complete because the virtual disk has a persistent reservation placed on it. Please release the reservation at the host and then retry the operation" Is there a way to release this thru the GUI ?

Hard Disk Failure Back up your files immediately to prevent information loss, and then contact the computer manufacturer to determine if you need to repair or replace the disk.

There are specific requirements like .Net Framework. Everytime I have seen this error with any product, it is because you are running and older version of a required prerequisite, or you are behind on Microsoft updates. The prerequisite checker should have brought this to your attention.