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Using VMware Workstation Player for Windows
Workstation 12 Player
This document supports the version of each product listed and supports all subsequent versions until the document is replaced by a new edition. To check for more recent editions of this document, see http://www.vmware.com/support/pubs.
EN-001871-00
Using VMware Workstation Player for Windows
You can find the most up-to-date technical documentation on the VMware Web site at: http://www.vmware.com/support/
The VMware Web site also provides the latest product updates.
If you have comments about this documentation, submit your feedback to: docfeedback@vmware.com
Copyright © 2015 VMware, Inc. All rights reserved. Copyright and trademark information.
VMware, Inc.
3401 Hillview Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94304 www.vmware.com
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Contents
Using VMware Workstation Player for Windows |
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1 Introduction and System Requirements |
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Host System Requirements for Workstation Player 9 |
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Virtual Machine Features and Specifications |
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2 Installing and Using Workstation Player |
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Install Workstation Player on a Windows Host |
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Start Workstation Player 18 |
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Use the Workstation Player Window 18 |
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Transferring Files and Text |
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Download a Virtual Appliance in Workstation Player |
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Remove a Virtual Machine from the Library in Workstation Player 21 |
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Email Address Collection in Workstation Player |
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Uninstall Workstation Player |
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3 Changing Workstation Player Preference Settings |
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Configuring Close Behavior Preference Settings |
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Configuring Virtual Printers on Windows Hosts |
24 |
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Configuring Software Updates Settings 24 |
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Sending System Data and Usage Statistics to VMware |
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4 Creating Virtual Machines in Workstation Player 29
Understanding Virtual Machines 29 Preparing to Create a Virtual Machine 29 Create a Virtual Machine 33
Use Easy Install to Install a Guest Operating System 34 Install a Guest Operating System Manually 35 Importing Virtual Machines 36
5 Installing and Upgrading VMware Tools 39
Installing VMware Tools 39
Upgrading VMware Tools |
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Configure Software Update Preferences 41 |
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Configure VMware Tools Updates for a Specific Virtual Machine 42 |
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Manually Installing and Upgrading VMware Tools 42 |
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Start the VMware User Process Manually If You Do Not Use a Session Manager 48 |
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Uninstalling VMware Tools |
48 |
6 Starting and Stopping Virtual Machines in Workstation Player 51
Start a Virtual Machine in Workstation Player 51
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Using VMware Workstation Player for Windows
Start an Encrypted Virtual Machine in Workstation Player 52 |
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Download a Virtual Appliance in Workstation Player 52 |
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Power Off a Virtual Machine in Workstation Player |
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Remove a Virtual Machine from the Library in Workstation Player 53 |
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Use Ctrl+Alt+Delete to Shut Down a Guest 53 |
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Suspend and Resume a Virtual Machine in Workstation Player 53 |
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Reset a Virtual Machine in Workstation Player |
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Stream a Virtual Machine from a Web Server |
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Enable Autologon in a Windows Virtual Machine |
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Set Workstation Player Preferences for Virtual Machine Closing Behavior 56 |
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7 Changing the Virtual Machine Display |
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Configure Display Settings for a Virtual Machine 59 |
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Use Full Screen Mode in Workstation Player |
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Use Unity Mode 61 |
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Use Multiple Monitors for One Virtual Machine in Workstation Player 63 |
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8 Using Removable Devices and Printers in Virtual Machines 65
Use a Removable Device in a Virtual Machine |
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Connecting USB Devices to Virtual Machines |
66 |
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Mount the USB File System on a Linux Host |
69 |
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Add a Host Printer to a Virtual Machine |
69 |
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Using Smart Cards in Virtual Machines |
70 |
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9 Setting Up Shared Folders for a Virtual Machine 75
Using Shared Folders 75 |
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Enable a Shared Folder for a Virtual Machine |
77 |
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View Shared Folders in a Windows Guest |
78 |
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Mounting Shared Folders in a Linux Guest |
78 |
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Change Shared Folder Properties 79 |
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Change the Folders That a Virtual Machine Can Share 79 |
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Disable Folder Sharing for a Virtual Machine |
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Mapping a Virtual Disk to the Host System |
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10 Configuring and Managing Virtual Machines |
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Change the Name of a Virtual Machine 83 |
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Change the Guest Operating System for a Virtual Machine |
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Change the Working Directory for a Virtual Machine |
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Change the Virtual Machine Directory for a Virtual Machine |
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Change the Memory Allocation for a Virtual Machine |
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Configuring Video and Sound 85 |
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Moving Virtual Machines |
89 |
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Configure a Virtual Machine as a VNC Server |
92 |
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Delete a Virtual Machine |
95 |
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View the Message Log for a Virtual Machine |
95 |
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Using the VIX API 95 |
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Install New Software in a Virtual Machine 96 |
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Contents
11 Configuring and Managing Devices 97 |
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Configuring DVD, CD-ROM, and Floppy Drives |
97 |
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Configuring a USB Controller |
99 |
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Configuring and Maintaining Virtual Hard Disks |
101 |
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Configuring Virtual Ports 107 |
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Configuring Generic SCSI Devices 112 |
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Configuring Eight-Way Virtual Symmetric Multiprocessing 115 |
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Configuring Keyboard Features |
116 |
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Modify Hardware Settings for a Virtual Machine |
124 |
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12 Configuring Network Connections |
125 |
Understanding Virtual Networking Components 125 |
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Understanding Common Networking Configurations 126 |
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Configuring Bridged Networking 127 |
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Configuring Network Address Translation 128 |
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Configuring Host-Only Networking 129 |
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Changing a Networking Configuration |
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13 Configuring Virtual Machine Option Settings |
133 |
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Configuring General Option Settings for a Virtual Machine |
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Configuring Power Options for a Virtual Machine |
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Configuring VMware Tools Options for a Virtual Machine |
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Configuring Unity Mode for a Virtual Machine |
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Configuring Autologon for a Virtual Machine |
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14 Configuring Virtual Machine Hardware Settings 139 |
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Adding Hardware to a Virtual Machine |
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Removing Hardware from a Virtual Machine 141 |
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Adjusting Virtual Machine Memory |
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Configuring Virtual Machine Processor Settings |
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Configuring and Maintaining Virtual Hard Disks 143 |
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Configuring CD-ROM and DVD Drive Settings |
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Configuring Floppy Drive Settings |
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Configuring Virtual Network Adapter Settings |
148 |
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Configuring USB Controller Settings |
151 |
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Configuring Sound Card Settings |
152 |
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Configuring Parallel Port Settings |
152 |
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Configuring Serial Port Settings 153 |
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Configuring Generic SCSI Device Settings |
154 |
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Configuring Printer Settings |
154 |
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Configuring Display Settings |
154 |
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Installing a Guest Operating System on a Physical Disk or Unused Partition 155
Index 157
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Using VMware Workstation Player for Windows
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Using VMware Workstation Player for Windows
Using VMware Workstation Player for Windows describes how to use VMware Workstation Player™ to create, configure, and manage virtual machines on a Windows host.
Intended Audience
This information is intended for anyone who wants to install, upgrade, or use Workstation Player on a Windows host.
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Using VMware Workstation Player for Windows
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Introduction and System |
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Requirements |
Workstation Player is a desktop application that lets you create, configure, and run virtual machines. You can also use Workstation Player to download and run virtual appliances.
Host computers that run Workstation Player must meet specific hardware and software requirements. Virtual machines that run in Workstation Player support specific devices and provide certain features.
This chapter includes the following topics:
n“Host System Requirements for Workstation Player,” on page 9
n“Virtual Machine Features and Specifications,” on page 12
Host System Requirements for Workstation Player
The physical computer on which you install Workstation Player is called the host system and its operating system is called the host operating system. To run Workstation Player, the host system and the host operating system must meet specific hardware and software requirements.
Processor Requirements for Host Systems
You must install Workstation Player on a host system that meets certain processor requirements.
Supported Processors
The host system must have a 64-bit x86 CPU that meets the following requirements.
nLAHF/SAHF support in long mode
n1.3GHz or faster core speed Multiprocessor systems are supported.
When you install Workstation Player, the installer performs checks to make sure the host system has a supported processor. You cannot install Workstation Player if the host system does not meet the processor requirements.
Processor Requirements for 64-Bit Guest Operating Systems
The operating system that runs inside a virtual machine is called the guest operating system. To run 64-bit guest operating systems, the host system must have one of the following processors.
nAn AMD CPU that has segment-limit support in long mode
nAn Intel CPU that has VT-x support
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Using VMware Workstation Player for Windows
If you have an Intel CPU that has VT-x support, you must verify that VT-x support is enabled in the host system BIOS. The BIOS settings that must be enabled for VT-x support vary depending on the system vendor. See the VMware knowledge base article at http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1003944 for information about how to determine if VT-x support is enabled.
When you install a 64-bit operating system, Workstation Player performs checks to make sure the host system has a supported processor. You cannot install a 64-bit operating system if the host system does not meet the processor requirements.
Processor Requirements for Windows 7 Aero Graphics
To support Windows 7 Aero graphics, the host system should have either an Intel Dual Core 2.2GHz or later CPU or an AMD Athlon 4200+ or later CPU.
Supported Host Operating Systems
You can install Workstation Player on Windows and Linux host operating systems.
To see a list of the supported host operating systems, search the online VMware Compatibility Guide on the VMware Web site.
Workstation Player is not listed, but the information for Workstation Pro is applicable to
Workstation Player. Operating systems that are not listed are not supported for use in a virtual machine.
Memory Requirements for Host Systems
The host system must have enough memory to run the host operating system, the guest operating systems that run inside the virtual machines on the host system, and the applications that run in the host and guest operating systems.
The minimum memory required on the host system is 1 GB. 2 GB and above is recommended.
To support Windows 7 Aero graphics in a virtual machine, at least 3 GB of host system memory is required. 1 GB of memory is allocated to the guest operating system and 256 MB is allocated to graphics memory.
See your guest operating system and application documentation for more information on memory requirements.
Display Requirements for Host Systems
The host system must have a 16-bit or 32-bit display adapter. Use the latest graphics driver recommended for the host system.
To support Windows 7 Aero graphics, the host system should have either an NVIDIA GeForce 8800GT or later or an ATI Radeon HD 2600 or later graphics processor.
IMPORTANT 3D benchmarks, such as 3DMark '06, might not render correctly or at all when running Windows Vista or Windows 7 virtual machines on some graphics hardware.
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Chapter 1 Introduction and System Requirements
Disk Drive Requirements for Host Systems
Host systems must meet certain disk drive requirements. Guest operating systems can reside on physical disk partitions or in virtual disk files.
Table 1 1. Disk Drive Requirements for Host Systems
Drive Type |
Requirements |
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Hard disk |
n IDE, SATA, and SCSI hard drives are supported. |
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n At least 1 GB free disk space is recommended for each guest operating system |
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and the application software used with it. If you use a default setup, the |
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actual disk space needs are approximately the same as those for installing |
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and running the guest operating system and applications on a physical |
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computer. |
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n For installation, approximately 200 MB free disk space is required on Linux |
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and 250 MB free disk space is required on Windows. You can delete the |
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installer after the installation is complete to reclaim disk space. |
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Optical CD-ROM and DVD |
n IDE, SATA, and SCSI optical drives are supported. |
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n CD-ROM and DVD drives are supported. |
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n ISO disk image files are supported. |
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Floppy |
Virtual machines can connect to disk drives on the host computer. Floppy disk |
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image files are also supported. |
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Solid-State Drives
If your host machine has a physical solid-state drive (SSD), the host informs guest operating systems they are running on an SSD.
This allows the guest operating systems to optimize behavior. How the virtual machines recognize SSD and use this information depends on the guest operating system and the disk type of the virtual disk (SCSI, SATA, or IDE).
nOn Windows 8, Windows 10, Ubuntu, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux virtual machines, all drive types can report their virtual disks as SSD drives.
nOn Windows 7 virtual machines, only IDE and SATA virtual disks can report their virtual disks as SSD. SCSI virtual disks only report as SSD when used as a system drive in a virtual machine, or as a mechanical drive when used as a data drive inside a virtual machine.
nOn Mac virtual machines, only SATA virtual disks are reported as SSD. IDE and SCSI virtual disks are reported as mechanical drives.
Use the virtual machine operating system to verify your virtual machine is using SSD as its virtual disk.
Local Area Networking Requirements for Host Systems
You can use any Ethernet controller that the host operating system supports.
Non-Ethernet networks are supported by using built-in network address translation (NAT) or by using a combination of host-only networking and routing software on the host operating system.
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Using VMware Workstation Player for Windows
Virtual Machine Features and Specifications
Workstation Player virtual machines support specific devices and provide certain features.
Supported Guest Operating Systems
A guest operating system can be Windows, Linux, and other commonly used operating systems.
To see a list of the supported guest operating systems, search the online VMware Compatibility Guide on the VMware Web site.
Workstation Player is not listed, but the information for Workstation Pro is applicable to
Workstation Player. Operating systems that are not listed are not supported for use in a virtual machine.
See the VMware Guest Operating System Installation Guide for information on installing the most common guest operating systems.
Virtual Machine Processor Support
Virtual machines support certain processor features.
nThe same as the processor on the host computer.
nOne virtual processor on a host system that has one or more logical processors.
nUp to eight virtual processors (eight-way virtual symmetric multiprocessing, or Virtual SMP) on a host system that has at least two logical processors.
NOTE Workstation Player considers multiprocessor hosts that have two or more physical CPUs, singleprocessor hosts that have a multicore CPU, and single-processor hosts that have hyperthreading enabled, to have two logical processors.
Virtual Machine Memory Allocation
The total amount of memory that you can assign to all virtual machines running on a single host system is limited only by the amount of RAM on the host.
On 64-bit hosts, the maximum amount of memory for each virtual machine is 64GB. On 32-bit hosts, the maximum amount of memory for each virtual machine is 8GB. Workstation Player prevents powering on virtual machines that are configured to use more than 8GB of memory on 32-bit hosts. Memory management limitations on 32-bit operating systems cause virtual machine memory to overcommit, which severely affects system performance.
Compatible Virtual Machines and System Images
Workstation Player can run virtual machines and system images that other VMware products create and some non-VMware products.
VMware virtual machines
Microsoft Virtual PC and Virtual Server virtual machines
Workstation Player runs virtual machines that were created by using Workstation 4 and later, GSX Server 3.x, VMware Server, and ESX Server 2.5 and later. Workstation 4 virtual machines run in legacy mode. You must use another VMware product to upgrade virtual machines created in versions earlier than Workstation 4 before you can run them in Workstation Player.
On Windows hosts, Workstation Player can run Microsoft Virtual PC and Virtual Server virtual machines. When you open a Virtual PC virtual machine in Workstation Player, Workstation Player creates a configuration file that is VMware product compatible and that has a .vmx file extension.
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Symantec Backup Exec System Recovery system images
Chapter 1 Introduction and System Requirements
Workstation Player preserves the original Virtual PC configuration file and gives the file a .vmc file extension. You can save the VMware productcompatible virtual machine without changing the original Virtual PC configuration file.
On Windows hosts, Workstation Player can run system images that were created by using Symantec Backup Exec System Recovery, formerly Symantec LiveState Recovery. When you open a Backup Exec System Recovery system image in Workstation Player, Workstation Player creates a configuration file that is VMware product compatible and that has a .vmx extension. Workstation Player preserves the original Backup Exec System Recovery system image file and gives the file a .sv2i file extension.
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Using VMware Workstation Player for Windows
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Installing and Using |
2 |
Workstation Player |
Installing Workstation Player typically involves running a standard GUI wizard.
This chapter includes the following topics:
n“Install Workstation Player on a Windows Host,” on page 15
n“Start Workstation Player,” on page 18
n“Use the Workstation Player Window,” on page 18
n“Transferring Files and Text,” on page 19
n“Download a Virtual Appliance in Workstation Player,” on page 21
n“Remove a Virtual Machine from the Library in Workstation Player,” on page 21
n“Email Address Collection in Workstation Player,” on page 21
n“Uninstall Workstation Player,” on page 21
Install Workstation Player on a Windows Host
You install Workstation Player on a Windows machine by running the installation wizard.
Prerequisites
nVerify that your Windows machine meets the host system requirements. See “Host System Requirements for Workstation Player,” on page 9.
nDownload the Workstation Player installer file to your Windows machine. You can obtain the Workstation Player installer file from the VMware Web site.
nIf you are installing the purchased version of Workstation Player, verify that you have a license key.
You can use Workstation Player free of charge for non-commercial use. When you use Workstation Player for the first time, you can enter your email address and use it free of charge, or you can enter your purchased license key to use Workstation Player and have access to additional features.
Procedure
1On your Windows machine, double-click the Workstation Player installer file.
The installer filename is similar to VMware-player-xxxx-xxxx.exe, where xxxx-xxxx is the version and build numbers.
2Follow the prompts to finish the installation.
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Using VMware Workstation Player for Windows
3(Optional) To activate Workstation Player features, start Workstation Player and enter your license key.
a Double-click the Workstation Player icon or select Start > All Programs VMware Player to start Workstation Player.
b Select Enter a license key to allow commercial use:. c Type your license key and click Continue.
Run an Unattended Workstation Player Installation on a Windows Host
You can use the unattended installation feature of the Microsoft Windows Installer (MSI) to install Workstation Player on Windows host systems without having to respond to wizard prompts. This feature is convenient in a large enterprise.
Prerequisites
nVerify that the host system meets the host system requirements.
nObtain the Workstation Player software and license key.
nVerify that the host computer has version 2.0 or later of the MSI runtime engine. This version of the installer is available in versions of Windows beginning with Windows XP and is available from Microsoft. For more information, see the Microsoft Web site.
nFamiliarize yourself with the installation properties. See “Installation Properties,” on page 17.
Procedure
1Log in to the host system as the Administrator user or as a user who is a member of the local Administrators group.
If you log in to the host system as the Administrator user or as a user who is a member of the local Administrators group.
2Extract the administrative installation image from the setup file.
The setup filename is similar to VMware=player-xxxx-xxxx.exe where xxxx-xxxx is the version and build number.
For example, if you enter setup.exe/?, the flag displays a windows message box with the command line usage for the installer.
3Enter the installation command on one line. Some examples are:
VMware-player-x.x.x-xxxxxx.exe /s /pass /v/qn REBOOT=ReallySuppress "EULAS_AGREED=1 INSTALLDIR=""path_to_program_directory"" ADDLOCAL=ALL SERIALNUMBER=""xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx- xxxxx"" "
VMware-player-x.x.x-xxxxxx.exe /s /v/qn EULAS_AGREED=1 SERIALNUMBER="xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx- xxxxx"
VMware-player-x.x.x-xxxxxx.exe /s /v/qn EULAS_AGREED=1 SERIALNUMBER="xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx- xxxxx"
You can use the optional INSTALLDIR property to specify a file path for the installation that is different from the default location.
NOTE The double quotes around the file path are important. All the MSI arguments are passed with the /v option. The outer quotes group the MSI arguments and the double quotes put a quote in that argument.
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Chapter 2 Installing and Using Workstation Player
You can use the optional REMOVE property to skip the installation of certain features. See “REMOVE Property Values,” on page 17.
You can also run an unattended Workstation Player uninstallation on a Windows host. The following example uninstalls Workstation Player and removes the license from the host.
VMware-player-x.x.x-xxxxxx.exe /s /v"/qn REMOVE=ALL"
Installation Properties
When you perform an unattended installation of Workstation Player, you can customize the installation by specifying installation properties in the installation command.
To specify an installation property in the installation command, use the format property="value". A value of 1 means true and a value of 0 means false.
Table 2 1. Installation Properties
Property |
Description |
Default Value |
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AUTHD_PORT |
Specifies which port the "VMware Authorization Service" |
902 |
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communicates through. |
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AUTOSOFTWAREUPDATE |
Enables automatic upgrades for Workstation Player or |
1 |
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Workstation Player when a new build becomes available. |
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DATACOLLECTION |
Sends user experience information to VMware. |
1 |
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DESKTOP_SHORTCUT |
Adds a shortcut on the desktop when Workstation Player is |
1 |
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installed. |
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ENABLE_VIRTUAL_PRINTING |
Enables support for ThinPrint virtual printing on the Windows |
0 |
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host after installing. |
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EULAS_AGREED |
Allows you to silently accept the product EULAs. Set to 1 to |
0 |
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complete the installation or upgrade. |
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INSTALLDIR |
Install Workstation Player in a directory that is different from |
C:\Program Files |
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the default Workstation Player location. |
(86)\VMware\VMwar |
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e Player |
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KEEP_LICENSE |
Specifies whether to keep or remove license keys when |
1 |
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Workstation Player is installed. |
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KEEP_SETTINGFILES |
Specifies whether to keep or remove settings files when |
1 |
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Workstation Player is uninstalled. |
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SERIALNUMBER |
Lets you enter the license key when Workstation Player is |
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installed. Enter the license key with hyphens, for example, |
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xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx. |
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SIMPLIFIEDUI |
Turn on or off certain UI features of Workstation Player. |
0 |
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SOFTWAREUPDATEURL |
Specifies a custom URL for managing software updates |
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(separate from vmware.com). |
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STARTMENU_SHORTCUT |
Adds a Start menu item when Workstation Player is installed. |
1 |
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SUPPORTURL |
Set a support URL or email alias specifically for your users to |
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contact with product issues through the Workstation Player or |
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Workstation Player Help menu. |
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REMOVE Property Values
When you perform an unattended installation of Workstation Player, you can skip the installation of certain features by specifying the REMOVE property in the installation command.
To specify a REMOVE property value in the installation command, use the format REMOVE=value. To skip multiple features, separate each value with a comma, for example, REMOVE=value,value.
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Using VMware Workstation Player for Windows
Table 2 2. REMOVE Property Values
Value |
Skipped Feature |
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Networking |
Networking components, including the virtual bridge and the host adapters for host-only |
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networking and NAT networking. Do not remove this component if you want to use NAT or |
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DHCP. |
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USB |
The virtual USB driver. |
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Keyboard |
The virtual keyboard driver. |
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ParPort |
The parallel port driver. |
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Start Workstation Player
When you start Workstation Player, the Workstation Player window opens.
You might have a desktop shortcut, a quick launch shortcut, or a combination of these options in addition to a Start menu item.
You start Workstation Player from the command line. On some Linux distributions, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.1, you can also start Workstation Player from the System Tools menu under
Applications.
Procedure
nSelect Start > Programs > VMware Player.
nType the vmplayer command.
Option |
Description |
/usr/bin is in your default path |
vmplayer & |
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/usr/bin is not in your default path |
/usr/bin/vmplayer & |
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Use the Workstation Player Window
You interact with Workstation Player and virtual machines through the Workstation Player window. The best way to learn how to use Workstation Player is to use it. The Workstation Player window is designed to be intuitive and easy to use.
Procedure
nUse the icons on the Home tab to create a new virtual machine, open an existing virtual machine, download a virtual appliance, or view the Workstation Player help system.
nSelect a powered-off virtual machine in the library see the summary view.
The summary view shows a summary of configuration information and the virtual machine state. You can start the virtual machine and edit virtual machine settings from the summary view.
nSelect a powered-off virtual machine in the library and click Play virtual machine to start the virtual machine and see the console view.
The console view is like the monitor display of a physical computer.
nSelect a virtual machine in the library and use the Virtual Machine menu on the menu bar to perform all virtual machine operations for the selected virtual machine.
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Chapter 2 Installing and Using Workstation Player
nWhen a virtual machine is powered on, use the icons on the status bar to perform actions on virtual devices such as hard disks, CD/DVD drives, floppy drives, and network adapters.
You can click or right-click on a removable device icon to connect or disconnect the device or edit its settings.
nUse the About VMware Player window to access information about your installation of Workstation Player, including license key information.
Click Player > Help > About VMware Player. Click Help > About VMware Player.
n If you have an individual license for Workstation Player, the key is displayed in the License Information section in the Type field. It is labeled Individual and is followed by your license key.
n If you have a version of Workstation Player licensed for multiple users, the Type field displays Volume and your license key is not displayed.
n If you did not enter a license for Workstation Player, the Type field displays Not applicable and a license key is not displayed.
n If you have an evaluation license key for Workstation Player, the Type field displays Not applicable. The date the evaluation license key expires is also displayed.
NOTE The evaluation key does not activate Horizon FLEX features.
Transferring Files and Text
You can use the drag-and-drop and copy and paste features, shared folders, and mapped drives to transfer text and files between the host system and virtual machines.
Using the Drag-and-Drop Feature
You can use the drag-and-drop feature to move files and directories, email attachments, plain text, formatted text, and images between the host system and virtual machines.
You can drag files or directories between the following locations.
nFile managers, such as Windows Explorer, on the host system and virtual machines.
nA file manager to an application that supports drag-and-drop.
nApplications, such as zip file managers, which support drag-and-drop extraction of individual files.
nDifferent virtual machines.
Dragging email attachments is especially useful in Unity mode.
When you drag a file or folder between the host and a virtual machine, Workstation Player copies the file or folder to the location where you drop it. For example, if you drop a file on the desktop icon of a word processor, the word processor opens a copy of the original file. The original file does not include changes that you make to the copy.
Initially, the application opens a copy of the file that is stored in the temp directory. On Windows, the temp directory is specified in the %TEMP% environment variable. On Linux and Solaris, the temp directory
is /tmp/VMwareDnD. Save the file in a different directory to protect changes that you make.
Drag-and-Drop Requirements and Restrictions
The drag-and-drop feature has certain requirements and restrictions.
nYou must install VMware Tools in a virtual machine to use the drag-and-drop feature.
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Using VMware Workstation Player for Windows
nThe drag-and-drop feature requires Linux hosts and guests to run X Windows and Solaris 10 guests to run an Xorg X server and JDS/Gnome.
nYou can drag images between applications on Windows hosts and applications on Windows guests only. Dragging images is not supported for Linux hosts or guests.
nYou can drag files and directories, email attachments, plain text, and formatted text between Linux and Windows hosts and Linux, Windows, and Solaris 10 guests only.
nDragging email attachments is restricted to images or files smaller than 4MB.
nDragging plain text and formatted text (including the formatting) is restricted to amounts less than 4MB.
nDragging text is restricted to text in languages that can be represented by Unicode characters.
nWorkstation Player uses the PNG format to encode images that are dragged. Dragging images is restricted to images smaller than 4MB after conversion to PNG format.
nOn Windows 95 and Windows 98 guests, the drag-and-drop feature is supported only for files and directories.
Using the Copy and Paste Feature
You can cut, copy, and paste text between virtual machines and between applications running in virtual machines.
You can also cut, copy, and paste images, plain text, formatted text, and email attachments between applications running on the host system and applications running in virtual machines.
Copying and pasting email attachments is especially useful in Unity mode. Use the normal hot keys or menu choices to cut or copy and paste.
Copy and Paste Requirements and Restrictions
The copy and paste feature has certain requirements and restrictions.
nYou must install VMware Tools in a virtual machine to use the copy and paste feature.
nThe copy and paste feature works with Linux and Windows hosts and Linux, Windows, and Solaris 10 guests only.
nThe copy and paste feature requires Linux hosts and guests to run X Windows and Solaris 10 guests to run an Xorg X server and JDS/Gnome.
nCopying and pasting email attachments is restricted to images or files smaller than 4MB.
nCopying and pasting plain text and formatted text (including the formatting) is restricted to amounts less than 4MB.
nCopying and pasting text is restricted to text in languages that can be represented by Unicode characters.
nWorkstation Player uses the PNG format to encode images that are copied and pasted. Copying and pasting images is restricted to images smaller than 4MB after conversion to PNG format.
nYou cannot copy and paste files between virtual machines.
nOn Windows 95 and Windows 98 guests, copying and pasting is restricted to plain text in amounts less than 64KB.
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Chapter 2 Installing and Using Workstation Player
Download a Virtual Appliance in Workstation Player
You can download a virtual appliance in Workstation Player. A virtual appliance is a prebuilt, preconfigured, and ready-to-run software application that is packaged with the operating system in a virtual machine.
Procedure
nSelect File > Download a Virtual Appliance.
nSelect Player > File > Download a Virtual Appliance.
A Web browser opens to the Virtual Appliance Marketplace page on the VMware Web site. You can browse to and download virtual appliances from this page.
Remove a Virtual Machine from the Library in Workstation Player
When you open a virtual machine in Workstation Player, it is added to the virtual machine library. You can remove a virtual machine that you are not using from the library.
Removing a virtual machine from the library does not delete the virtual machine or any of its files from the host file system. The virtual machine is removed only from the library. If you open the virtual machine again, the virtual machine is added back to the library.
Prerequisites
Power off the virtual machine.
Procedure
u Select the virtual machine, right-click, and select Remove VM from the Library.
The virtual machine is removed from the library without any confirmation.
Email Address Collection in Workstation Player
The trial version of Workstation Player prompts you for your email address when you use it for the first time.
You can use Workstation Player free of charge for non-commercial use. When you use Workstation Player for the first time, you can enter your email address and use it free of charge, or you can enter your purchased license key to use Workstation Player and have access to additional features.
Uninstall Workstation Player
You must uninstall the previous version of Workstation Player before you can install the latest version.
Procedure
nUse the Windows uninstall feature.
For example, on Windows 7, select Start > Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > Uninstall a program.
nType the command vmware-installer -u vmware-player.
The uninstall program lets you specify whether to preserve your configuration files.
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Using VMware Workstation Player for Windows
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Changing Workstation Player |
3 |
Preference Settings |
Workstation Player preference settings are global configuration settings that apply to Workstation Player and the virtual machines that you run in Workstation Player.
To change Workstation Player preference settings, select File > Player Preferences. This chapter includes the following topics:
n“Configuring Close Behavior Preference Settings,” on page 23
n“Configuring Virtual Printers on Windows Hosts,” on page 24
n“Configuring Software Updates Settings,” on page 24
n“Sending System Data and Usage Statistics to VMware,” on page 25
Configuring Close Behavior Preference Settings
Close behavior preference settings control what Workstation Player does with virtual machines when you close them.
To configure close behavior preference settings, select File > Preferences.
Table 3 1. Close Behavior Preference Settings
Setting |
Description |
|
|
Suspend the virtual machine |
The virtual machine is suspended when you close it. The |
|
next time you start Workstation Player, the virtual machine |
|
resumes operation from the point at which it was |
|
suspended. |
|
|
Power off the virtual machine |
The virtual machines is powered off when you close it. The |
|
next time you start Workstation Player, the virtual machine |
|
is in a powered off state. |
|
|
Leave the virtual machine running |
The virtual machine remains running in the background |
|
when you close it. The next time you start |
|
Workstation Player, the virtual machine is in a powered on |
|
state. |
|
|
Confirm before closing a virtual machine |
Workstation Player prompts you for confirmation when |
|
you close a virtual machine. |
|
|
Return to the VM Library after closing a virtual machine |
Workstation Player returns the virtual machines to the |
|
library after you close it. You can open another virtual |
|
machine or edit virtual machine settings. |
|
|
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Using VMware Workstation Player for Windows
Configuring Virtual Printers on Windows Hosts
On Windows hosts, you can configure Workstation Player to support virtual printing on all printers configured on the host.
Virtual printing is disabled by default on Windows hosts. To enable or disable virtual printing on a Windows host system, select File > Preferences > Devices. Select the Enable virtual printers checkbox to enable virtual printers. VMware Tools must be installed on the virtual machine to enable printing. You must have administrator privileges to enable or disable virtual printers.
The Workstation Player printer feature uses ThinPrint technology to replicate the host system printer mapping in the virtual machine. When you enable the virtual machine printer, Workstation Player configures a virtual serial port to communicate with the host printers.
See “Add a Host Printer to a Virtual Machine,” on page 69
Configuring Software Updates Settings
Software updates settings control when Workstation Player downloads software updates to the host system and whether it uses a proxy server to connect to the VMware Update Server.
To configure software updates settings, select Edit > Preferences > Updates. To configure software updates settings, select Player > File > Preferences.
Table 3 2. Software Update Preference Settings
Setting |
Description |
|
|
Check for product updates on startup |
Check for new versions of the application and installed components |
|
when you start Workstation Player. This setting is selected by |
|
default. |
|
|
Check for new software components as needed |
Check for a new version of a component when a component, such as |
|
VMware Tools, is required. When this setting is selected, |
|
Workstation Player verifies if a new version is available to |
|
download and install. |
|
|
Download All Components Now |
Manually download all of the available software components to the |
|
host system. Click this button if you are planning to use a virtual |
|
machine at a later time when you do not have access to the Internet. |
|
|
Connection Settings |
Click this button to configure a proxy server to connect to the |
|
VMware Update Server. |
|
|
Configuring Connection Settings for a Proxy Server
You can use configure connection settings to use a proxy server to connect to the VMware Update Server. To configure proxy connection settings, select Edit > Preferences > Updates and click Connection Settings.
To configure proxy connection settings, select Player > File > Player Preferences and click Connection Settings.
Table 3 3. Connection Settings
Setting |
Description |
|
|
No proxy |
Do not use a proxy server. |
|
|
Windows proxy settings |
(Windows hosts only) Workstation Player uses the host proxy settings from the |
|
Connections tab in the Internet Options control panel to access the VMware Update |
|
Server. |
|
Click Internet Options to set the guest connection options. |
|
|
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Chapter 3 Changing Workstation Player Preference Settings |
Table 3 3. Connection Settings (Continued) |
|
|
|
Setting |
Description |
|
|
System proxy settings |
(Linux hosts only) Workstation Player uses the host proxy settings to access the |
|
VMware Update Server. |
|
|
Manual proxy settings |
Select an HTTP or SOCKS proxy, specify the proxy server address, and designate a |
|
port number to access the VMware Update Server. |
|
|
Username and Password |
The username and password to use for proxy server authentication. On Windows |
|
hosts, if either the Username or Password text box is blank, Workstation Player does |
|
not use either value. On Linux hosts, if either the Username or Password text box is |
|
blank, Workstation Player uses the username and password set in the gnome settings. |
|
|
You must restart Workstation Player for proxy setting changes to take effect.
Understanding the Automatic Software Update Process
When you enable automatic software updates, you are always aware of the latest releases from VMware.
By keeping your software up-to-date, you can take advantage of new product features and performance improvements, ensure that your system includes the latest patches, and obtain timely support for new guest operating systems. You can enable the automatic software update feature when you install
Workstation Player or by configuring Workstation Player preference settings. You can disable the feature at any time.
To determine if software updates are available, the VMware software updates feature securely sends the following anonymous information to VMware.
nA universal unique identifier (UUID), which it uses to identify each individual system
nThe product name, the product version, and the build number
nYour host operating system name, version, and the locale setting
The VMware software updates feature does not collect any personal data, such as your name, address, telephone number, or mail address. Your product license key and MAC address are not sent to VMware, and VMware does not store your IP address with the data that it receives from you.
VMware might use the information it receives from the software update feature for product planning purposes. VMware limits access to your data and uses industry-standard controls to protect your information, including physical access controls, Internet firewalls, intrusion detection, and network monitoring.
The information collected by the VMware software updates feature is handled in accordance with VMware Privacy Policy.
Sending System Data and Usage Statistics to VMware
The User experience improvement program setting controls whether you participate in the VMware User Experience Improvement Program.
To participate in or opt out of the program, select or deselect the Help improve VMware Player check box.
When you participate in the program, Workstation Player sends anonymous system data and usage statistics to VMware. Workstation Player creates log files for the collected data and stores the data on the host computer.
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Table 3 4. User Experience Improvement Program Log Files
|
Host |
|
|
|
Operating |
|
|
Filename |
System |
Log File Location |
Description |
|
|
|
|
playerUploadedData |
Windows |
\Users\ user \AppData\Local\VMware |
The most recent data uploaded |
.log |
Server 2008 |
|
to the VMware server. |
|
R2, Windows |
|
|
|
7, Windows 8, |
|
|
|
Windows 10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
playerUploadedData |
Linux |
~/.vmware |
The most recent data uploaded |
.log |
|
|
to the VMware server. |
|
|
|
|
NOTE The data collection process does not affect the performance of your computer.
Participating in the User Experience Improvement Program
When you participate in the VMware User Experience Improvement Program, your computer sends anonymous information to VMware. Participation in the program is voluntary and you can opt out at any time.
Types of Data Collected
The data collected by the VMware User Experience Improvement Program might include product data, product usage information, product performance information, and system configuration information.
Product data typically includes information such as the product name, version, build number, and configuration settings. This information helps VMware compare data from identical installations and determine popular configurations.
Product usage information might include menu items selected, toolbar buttons pressed, virtual machines run, and virtual machine configuration settings. This information helps VMware identify usage patterns, such as the most popular features, how many virtual machines users create, how many virtual machines are run concurrently, which operating systems are the most popular, and what virtual machine settings are typically selected.
Product performance data might include errors that occur and measurements, such as virtual machine suspend and resume times, uptime, or application startup time.
System configuration information might include the operating system that your computer is currently running, how many processors are in your computer and the processor models, how much memory is installed, how many network connections are available, the video cards and video drivers that are installed, and screen resolutions for display devices. This information helps VMware identify the system configurations that best match customer environments during testing and to plan future development based on hardware industry trends and the adoption of new technologies.
Not all of the available information is collected from every system every time data is sent to VMware. Some information is included only from select installations and certain information, such as error messages, is collected only when it is generated.
VMware uses a universal unique identifier (UUID) to identify information from different machines.
When the Data Is Transmitted to VMware
Data is typically collected on your system and transmitted to VMware when you start Workstation Player. If your computer does not have access to the Internet, the information is collected and sent to VMware the next time you start Workstation Player. Data might also be sent to VMware at other times, such as during a check for software updates. Data is encrypted and transmitted over a secure SSL connection so that it cannot be read by other Internet users.
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Chapter 3 Changing Workstation Player Preference Settings
Workstation Player stores all of the information that it sends to VMware on your system in clear text. The files are located in the same directory as your log files and are named productnameUploadedData.log.
Privacy Protection
VMware does not collect any personal data, such as your name, address, telephone number, or mail address. Your product license key and MAC address are not sent to VMware, and VMware does not store your IP address with the data that it receives from you.
VMware limits access to your data and uses industry-standard controls to protect your information, including physical access controls, Internet firewalls, intrusion detection, and network monitoring. The information collected by the VMware User Experience Improvement Program is handled in accordance with VMware Privacy Policy.
NOTE The User Improvement Program is not Spyware. Spyware collects information or acts on your computer without your full knowledge or consent.
Opting Out of the Program
You can join or end participation in the VMware User Experience Improvement Program at any time by changing Workstation Player preference settings.
See “Sending System Data and Usage Statistics to VMware,” on page 25 for more information.
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Using VMware Workstation Player for Windows
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Creating Virtual Machines in |
4 |
Workstation Player |
You use the New Virtual Machine wizard to create virtual machines. The New Virtual Machine wizard guides you through the steps for setting up a new virtual machine, helping you set options and parameters.
To start the New Virtual Machine wizard, select File > Create a New Virtual Machine, or click Create a New Virtual Machine on the welcome page.
This chapter includes the following topics:
n“Understanding Virtual Machines,” on page 29
n“Preparing to Create a Virtual Machine,” on page 29
n“Create a Virtual Machine,” on page 33
n“Use Easy Install to Install a Guest Operating System,” on page 34
n“Install a Guest Operating System Manually,” on page 35
n“Importing Virtual Machines,” on page 36
Understanding Virtual Machines
A virtual machine is a software computer that, like a physical machine, runs an operating system and applications. A virtual machine uses the physical resources of the physical machine on which it runs, which is called the host system. Virtual machines have virtual devices that provide the same functionality as physical hardware, but with the additional benefits of portability, manageability, and security.
A virtual machine has an operating system and virtual resources that you manage in much the same way that you manage a physical computer. For example, you install an operating system in a virtual machine in the same way that you install an operating system on a physical computer. You must have a CD-ROM, DVD, or ISO image that contains the installation files from an operating system vendor.
Preparing to Create a Virtual Machine
When you create a virtual machine, you specify or accept defaults for a few basic virtual machine settings.
nHow you want to install the guest operating system.
nA name for the virtual machine and a location for the virtual machine files.
nThe size of the virtual disk and whether to split the disk into multiple virtual disk files.
nWhether to customize hardware settings, including memory allocation, number of virtual processors, and network connection type.
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Using VMware Workstation Player for Windows
Selecting a Guest Operating System
The New Virtual Machine prompts you to select the source media for the operating system that will run inside the virtual machine. You can specify an installer disc inserted in a physical drive, an ISO image file, or you can instruct the New Virtual Machine wizard to create a virtual machine that has a blank hard disk.
If you select an installer disc or an ISO image file and the operating system supports Easy Install, the guest operating system installation is automated and VMware Tools is installed. If the installer disc or ISO image file contains a product key number and is already set up to perform an unattended installation, the only benefit of using Easy Install is the automatic installation of VMware Tools.
If you instruct the New Virtual Machine wizard to create a virtual machine that has a blank hard disk, the wizard prompts you to specify an operating system and version and you must install the guest operating system manually after the virtual machine is created. Workstation Player uses this information to set the appropriate default values, name files associated with the virtual machine, adjust performance settings, and work around special behaviors and bugs in the guest operating system. If the operating system you plan to install is not listed in the wizard, select Other for both the operating system and version.
If you are installing an operating system that supports Easy Install but you do not want to use Easy Install, you can instruct the wizard to create a virtual machine that has a blank disk and install the guest operating system manually.
Supported Guest Operating Systems
A guest operating system can be Windows, Linux, and other commonly used operating systems.
To see a list of the supported guest operating systems, search the online VMware Compatibility Guide on the VMware Web site.
Workstation Player is not listed, but the information for Workstation Pro is applicable to
Workstation Player. Operating systems that are not listed are not supported for use in a virtual machine.
See the VMware Guest Operating System Installation Guide for information on installing the most common guest operating systems.
Providing Easy Install Information
When the New Virtual Wizard detects an operating system that supports Easy Install, the wizard prompts you for information about the guest operating system. After the virtual machine is created, the guest operating system installation is automated and VMware Tools is installed.
For Windows guest operating systems, you must provide the following Easy Install information.
Table 4 1. Easy Install Information for Windows Guests
Easy Install Prompt |
Description |
|
|
Windows product key |
(Optional) Type a product key unless the installation media contains a volume |
|
license product key. If you provide a product key here, you are not prompted to |
|
provide a product key when you install the guest operating system. |
|
|
Version of Windows to install |
select the Windows operating system edition to install. |
|
|
Full name |
The name to use to register the guest operating system. Do not use the name |
|
Administrator or Guest. If you use one of these names, you must enter a |
|
different name when you install the guest operating system. |
|
|
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