Unable to install device drivers when installing VMware Tools on Microsoft Windows Server 2012
Article ID: 334249
Updated On:
Products
VMware vCenter Server
VMware vSphere ESXi
Issue/Introduction
Symptoms:
When installing VMware Tools on a Microsoft Windows Server 2012 guest operating system, you experience these symptoms:
- VMware Tools does not install VMware device drivers
For example:
- VMware VMCI
- VMware Paravirtual SCSI
- VMware VMXNet NIC
Note: For more information, see the VMware Tools Device Drivers section in the vSphere Virtual Machine Administration guide.
- In the %TEMP%\vminst.log file, you see errors similar to:
tools-build-buildnumber: <MM/DD/YY> <time> Installing driver with INF: "C:\Program Files\Common Files\WMware\Drivers\vmxnet3\vmxnet3ndis6.inf", flags: 1
tools-build-buildnumber: <MM/DD/YY> <time></time> Failed to install inf C:\Program Files\Common Files\WMware\Drivers\vmxnet3\vmxnet3ndis6.inf: 0x00000490
tools-build-buildnumber: <MM/DD/YY> <time> Failed to install driver: 0x00000490. Element not found.</time></time>
Cause
This issue occurs when the Device Install service is not started on the guest operating system.
Resolution
To resolve this issue, verify that the Device Install Service is started during the installation of VMware Tools. If the service does not start, start the service manually.
Or choose custom install while installing vmware tools and manually select or de-select the driver.
To start the Device Install Service:
- Right-click on the Start button.
- Select Run.
- Enter this command and click OK: services.msc
- Within the Services management snap-in, right-click on Device Install Service and select Start. [ if the service is already running, restart the service]
- Install VMware Tools.
Or choose custom install while installing vmware tools and manually select or de-select the driver.
Additional Information
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