4.0

Using Virtual Machines 4
You can use Player to run new and existing virtual machines on the host system, including virtual machines
and system images that were created by other VMware products and some non-VMware products. You can
also stream virtual machines from a Web server.
When you use virtual machines in Player, you can download virtual appliances, transfer files and text between
virtual machines and the host system, print to host printers, connect removable devices, and change display
settings.
This chapter includes the following topics:
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“Starting Virtual Machines in Player,” on page 35
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“Stopping Virtual Machines in Player,” on page 38
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“Transferring Files and Text,” on page 40
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“Add a Host Printer to a Virtual Machine,” on page 48
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“Using Removable Devices in Virtual Machines,” on page 48
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“Install New Software in a Virtual Machine,” on page 55
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“Changing the Virtual Machine Display,” on page 56
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“Download a Virtual Appliance in Player,” on page 61
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“Remove a Virtual Machine from the Library in Player,” on page 61
Starting Virtual Machines in Player
When you start a virtual machine in Player, the guest operating system starts and you can interact with the
virtual machine in a console window.
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Start a Virtual Machine in Player on page 36
You can start a virtual machine from the Player window.
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Start an Encrypted Virtual Machine in Player on page 36
An encrypted virtual machine is a virtual machine that has been secured from unauthorized use. A lock
icon appears next to an encrypted virtual machine in the virtual machine library.
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Stream a Virtual Machine from a Web Server on page 36
When you stream a virtual machine, you can start the virtual machine as soon as the download process
begins. When you power off a streamed virtual machine, you are prompted to save or discard changes.
If you discard changes, the directory that was created on the local computer and all the virtual machine
data are deleted.
VMware, Inc.
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