When machines are first created in a linked clone pool (non-persistent) they can't start the persona service. The following is logged in VMWVvp.txt
[0][12/02/2014 11:11:55:0913][RTOOpenMainLog ] Failed Retrieving Log Depth, Using Default: 1
[0][12/02/2014 11:11:55:0913][RTOLogonService ] Enabled LFH
[0][12/02/2014 11:11:55:0913][RTOLogonService ] Created Shutdown Event
[0][12/02/2014 11:11:55:0913][RTOLogonService ] License Check Skipped
[0][12/02/2014 11:11:55:0913][RTOSetTokenPrivileges ] Set Privilege SE_RESTORE_NAME
[0][12/02/2014 11:11:55:0913][RTOSetTokenPrivileges ] Set Privilege SE_BACKUP_NAME
[0][12/02/2014 11:11:55:0913][RTOSetTokenPrivileges ] Set Privilege SE_SHUTDOWN_NAME
[0][12/02/2014 11:11:55:0913][RTOSetTokenPrivileges ] Set Privilege SE_ASSIGNPRIMARYTOKEN_NAME
[0][12/02/2014 11:11:55:0913][RTOSetTokenPrivileges ] Set Privilege SE_INCREASE_QUOTA_NAME
[0][12/02/2014 11:11:55:0913][RTOLogonService ] Retrieved Process Token
[0][12/02/2014 11:11:55:0929][RTOLogonService ] Failed Starting Driver: 0x80070422
If I restart the VM the service starts successfully. I have checked before rebooting and the correct GPO shows as applied. Entries in the event viewer indicate that the GPOs are detected and applied (and this is confirmed by group policy management snap-in). After the VM is rebooted there is an entry in the application event log that the Persona service started successfully which was not present on the initial boot (once the machine has been fully provisioned). If the Persona service doesn't start the user will not be able to login for 10-15 min after which they will have a blank desktop, and taskbar with no icons (this is on windows 8.1 pro).
I could script reboots of the VMs but that shouldn't be something that needs to be done.
Suggestions on where else to look?