Entegy,
>>>It was indeed Hyper-V. However, as Hyper-V being enabled did not affect Fusion 5, I feel this scenario should be looked at.
From the VMX configuration file, you uploaded, there is no hypervisor related entry. it means it is just a common Window 8 VM, although you have enabled/installed hyper-v within window Guest OS, which is a reason to cause BSOD.
In order to keep your hyper-v function without BSOD, you need configure hyper-v on both fusion and VM with the Action plan below:
Action Plan
=========
1. Power-off the VM and enable Hpyer-V on Fusion referring to http://kb.vmware.com/kb/2044876
2. Power on the VM and Re-enable/re-install Hyper-V within window 8 Guest.
Please let me know the result.
Best Regards,
changhai