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On certain Linux guest operating systems, the VMware Tools process vmware-user does not start automatically
Details
One of the executables used by VMware Tools in UNIX guests is vmware-user . This program implements the fit-guest-to-window feature and Unity mode, among other features.
Normally, vmware-user is started automatically after you configure VMware Tools and then log out of the desktop environment and log back in.
You must start the vmware-user process manually in the following environments:
- 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)
- If you are using certain older versions of GNOME without gdm or xdm
- If you are using any session manager or environment that does not support the Desktop Application Autostart Specification
You must also start vmware-user manually after you update to a new version of VMware Tools.
Solution
To start the VMware User process manually if you do not use a session manager, do one of the following:
- To have vmware-user 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.
- To start vmware-user after a VMware Tools software update or if you notice that certain features are not working, open a terminal window and enter the following command:
vmware-user
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- KB Article: 1008071
- Updated: Aug 14, 2009
- Products:
VMware Fusion
VMware Server
VMware Workstation - Product Versions:
VMware Fusion 2.x
VMware Server 2.0.x (Linux)
VMware Server 2.0.x (Windows)