This issue can occur when the filePath parameter specified in the virtual machine's configuration file (.vmx) specifies a non-existent path as the first parameter.
VMware uses the filePath parameter to find the .lck files that are created when the virtual machine is powered on to verify its file lock and that it can safely power on the virtual machine. The list is parsed in order; the first item is assumed to be the location of the .lck files.
To resolve this issue:
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Power off the virtual machine and remove it from inventory.
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Find the line starting with fileSearchPath.
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If the virtual machine is a stand-alone, remove line completely. If the virtual machine is a linked clone, edit the path list to make it valid. For example:
filePath=". ; X:\Parent_Path"
Note: Parent_Path is the path to the parent virtual machine of the linked clone. The filePath always starts with a period character, indicating the current directory. The .lck files are created in the current location.
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Save the file and add the virtual machine to inventory.