Error "Virtual machine debug driver was disabled for this virtual machine" displays in event log

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

• The system appears to be working as expected.
• This error message appears in the event log:
  
  VM debug driver 7.3.3.2 was disabled for this VM

Environment

• VMware ESX Server 3.5.x
• VMware ESXi 3.5.x Embedded
• VMware ESXi 4.1.x Embedded
• VMware ESX Server 3.0.x
• VMware ESXi 4.1.x Installable
• VMware ESXi 4.0.x Installable
• VMware ESX 4.0.x
• VMware vSphere ESXi 5.1
• VMware vSphere ESXi 5.0
• VMware ESX 4.1.x
• VMware ESXi 3.5.x Installable
• VMware ESXi 4.0.x Embedded

Resolution

The virtual machine debug driver is not required in an ESX host. The driver is used for record/play functions in Fusion and Workstation products.

To prevent the message from appearing, use the Windows Registry Editor to modify the appropriate setting.

Note: This procedure modifies the Windows registry. Before making any registry modifications, ensure that you have a current and valid backup of the registry and the virtual machine. For more information on backing up and restoring the registry, see the Microsoft article Windows registry information for advanced users.

To disable the message:

1. Click Start > Run, type regedit, and press Enter. The Registry Editor window opens.
2. Browse to:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\vmdebug
   
   
3. Change he Start key from 1 to 4.