Specifications

CHAPTER 8 Configuring Devices
319
Using USB Devices in a Virtual Machine
The following sections describe how to use USB devices in a virtual machine:
• Notes on USB Support on page 319
• Adding a USB Controller on page 320
• Connecting USB Devices on page 321
• Using USB with a Windows Host on page 321
• Replacing USB 2.0 Drivers on a Windows 2000 Host on page 322
• Using USB with a Linux Host on page 322
• Who Has Control over a USB Device? on page 322
• Disconnecting USB Devices from a Virtual Machine on page 324
• Human Interface Devices on page 324
VMware GSX Server provides a two-port USB 1.1 controller. You can use up to two USB
devices in your virtual machine if both your host operating system and your guest
operating system support USB. If your host computer supports USB 2.0 devices, you
can use those devices in the virtual machine.
Note: Linux kernels older than 2.2.17 do not support USB.
Although your host operating system must support USB, you do not need to install
device-specific drivers for your USB devices in the host operating system if you want
to use those devices only in the virtual machine.
On a Windows 2000 host computer with USB 2.0 support, be sure you are using the
Microsoft USB 2.0 driver for the USB controller. Third-party USB 2.0 drivers, such as
those provided by some motherboard manufacturers, are not supported. For notes on
replacing the third-party drivers, see Replacing USB 2.0 Drivers on a Windows 2000
Host on page 322.
Notes on USB Support
We have tested a variety of USB devices with this release. In general, if the guest
operating system has appropriate drivers, you should be able to use PDAs, printers,
storage (disk) devices, scanners, MP3 players, PC radios, digital cameras and memory
card readers.
Modems and certain streaming data devices, such as speakers and Web cams, do not
work properly.