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Table Of Contents
3 If the distribution does not automatically mount CD-ROMs, mount the VMware Tools virtual CD-ROM
image.
For example, type mount /cdrom.
4 Change to a working directory (for example, /tmp).
cd /tmp
5 Untar the VMware Tools tar file.
tar zxpf /cdrom/vmware-freebsd-tools.tar.gz
6 If the distribution does not use automounting, unmount the VMware Tools virtual CD-ROM image.
umount /cdrom
7 Run the installer and configure VMware Tools.
cd vmware-tools-distrib
./vmware-install.pl
Usually, the vmware-config-tools.pl configuration file runs after the installer file finishes running.
8 Respond to the prompts by pressing Enter to accept the default values, if appropriate for your
configuration.
9 Follow the instructions at the end of the script.
Depending on the features you use, these instructions can include restarting the X session, restarting
networking, logging in again, and starting the VMware User process. You can alternatively reboot the
guest operating system to accomplish all these tasks.
What to do next
If a new virtual hardware version is available for the virtual machine, upgrade the virtual hardware.
Start the VMware User Process Manually If You Do Not Use a Session Manager
One of the executables used by VMware Tools in Linux, Solaris, and FreeBSD guest operating systems is the
VMware User process. This program implements the fit-guest-to-window feature and Unity mode, among
other features.
Normally, this process is started automatically after you configure VMware Tools and then log out of the
desktop environment and log back in. You must start the process manually in the following environments:
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If you run an X session without a session manager (for example, by using startx and getting a desktop
and not using xdm, kdm, or gdm).
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If you are using certain older versions of GNOME without gdm or xdm.
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If you are using any session manager or environment that does not support the Desktop Application
Autostart Specification, available from http://standards.freedesktop.org.
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If you upgrade VMware Tools.
Procedure
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To have the VMware User process start when you start an X session, add vmware-user to the appropriate
X startup script, such as the .xsession or .xinitrc file.
The vmware-user program is located in the directory where you selected to install binary programs, which
defaults to /usr/bin. The startup script that needs to be modified depends on your particular system.
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To start the process after a VMware Tools software upgrade or if you notice certain features are not
working, open a terminal window and enter the vmware-user command.
Getting Started with VMware Player
32 VMware, Inc.