"Install the VMware Tools package inside this virtual machine" message when powering on a VM

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

When powering on a virtual machine, on the Events tab, you see a message similar to:

Install the VMware Tools package inside this virtual machine. After the guest operating system starts, select VM > Install VMware Tools… and follow the instructions.

Environment

• VMware ESXi 4.0.x Embedded
• VMware ESXi 4.1.x Installable
• VMware ESXi 4.0.x Installable
• VMware ESX 4.0.x
• VMware ESX 4.1.x
• VMware ESXi 4.1.x Embedded

Cause

This issue occurs as the message is indicating that VMware Tools is not yet installed in the virtual machine and it is prompting you to install it.

Resolution

Note: This message does not affect the functionality of the virtual machine and can be safely ignored.

For more information, see:

• Windows VMware Tools
• Linux VMware Tools

Note: If you do not want to see this message:

• Open the .vmx file of the virtual machine using a text editor.
• Set the tools.remindInstall option to false.
• Save and close the file.