Knowledge Base

Downloading VMware products from the VMware website

1. Log in to download portal at http://vmware.com/download/.
2. Click the Datacenter Downloads tab or Desktop Downloads tab based on the product you purchased, upgraded, or downgraded.
3. Click the Download link next to the product name.
4. Choose the download package and the correct product based on the purchase, upgrade, or downgrade.
   
   Note: For vSphere 4.0 downloads, choose the business type For Small Business or For Mid-Size and Enterprise Business based on the purchase or upgrade.
    
5. Click the Download link just below the product name.
6. On the log in screen, enter the registered email address and password for downloading the software and click Login.
7. Read the EULA for downloading the software. Click Yes to accept the terms.
8. Choose the download type for downloading the software.

Downloading evaluation products from the VMware website

1. Go to http://vmware.com/download/.
2. Click the Datacenter Downloads tab or Desktop Downloads tab based on the product to be evaluated.
3. Click the Evaluate link next to the product name.
   
   Note: Evaluation is not an option for obsolete products. Evaluation is only an option for new and available products.
    
4. If you are a new customer, register your email address by entering your first name, last name, and email address to create a profile in VMware.
   
   If you are an existing customer, log in with the registered email address and password.
   
   Note: Enterprise level software evaluations require that you use an email address that is not from a free domain. Use an organizational email address.
    
5. An automated activation mail from donotreply@vmware.com is sent to the registered email address for activating the evaluation product. 
   
   Note: vSphere 4 products do not work with any evaluation license keys. You must enable the evaluation mode both on ESX and vCenter Server for activating the evaluation license.
    
6. Click Activate Evaluation Now. Choose a download option.

Troubleshooting download issues

1. Track the license registration details.
2. Log in using the email account under which the licenses are registered.
3. Confirm whether the correct product and version is downloaded based on the purchase, upgrade, or downgrade.
4. Clear the browser cookies and temp files. Close the browser and reload it.
5. Try using a different browser.
6. If the issue persists, contact a VMware Licensing Specialist.

Note: If your problem still exists after trying the steps in this article, please file a support request with VMware Support and note this KB Article ID in the problem description. For more information, see How to Submit a Support Request.