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Table Of Contents
Start the VMware User Process Manually If You Do Not Use a Session Manager
VMware Tools in Linux, Solaris, and FreeBSD guest operating systems uses the VMware User process
executable file. This program implements the fit-guest-to-window feature and Unity mode, among other
features.
Normally, this process starts after you configure VMware Tools, log out of the desktop environment, and
log back in. The vmware-user program is located in the directory in which you selected to install binary
programs, which defaults to /usr/bin. The startup script that you need to modify depends on your system.
You must start the process manually in the following environments:
n
If you run an X session without a session manager. For example, if you use startx to start a desktop
session and do not use xdm, kdm, or gdm.
n
If you are using an older version of GNOME without gdm or xdm.
n
If you are using a session manager or environment that does not support the Desktop Application
Autostart Specification, available from http://standards.freedesktop.org.
n
If you upgrade VMware Tools.
Procedure
u
Start the VMware User process.
Option Action
Start the VMware User process
when you start an X session.
Add vmware-user to the appropriate X startup script, such as
the .xsession or .xinitrc file.
Start the process after a VMware
Tools software upgrade, or if
certain features are not working.
Open a terminal window and type the vmware-user command.
Uninstall VMware Tools
Occasionally, an upgrade of VMware Tools is incomplete. You can usually solve the problem by
uninstalling VMware Tools and then reinstalling.
Prerequisites
n
Power on the virtual machine.
n
Log in to the guest operating system.
Procedure
u
Select a method to uninstall VMware Tools.
Operating System Action
Windows 7, 8
In the guest operating system, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
Windows Vista and Windows Server
2008
In the guest operating system, select Programs and Features > Uninstall a
program.
Windows XP and earlier
In the guest operating system, select Add/Remove Programs.
Linux
On a Linux guest operating system that has VMware Tools installed by
using an RPM installer, enter rpm -e VMwareTools in a terminal window.
Linux, Solaris, FreeBSD, NetWare
Log in as root and enter vmware-uninstall-tools.pl in a terminal
window.
Mac OS X Server
Use the Uninstall VMware Tools application, found
in /Library/Application Support/VMware Tools.
Chapter 3 Creating Virtual Machines
VMware, Inc. 37