VMware Workstation stops functioning after updating the kernel on a Linux host
Article ID: 335223
Updated On:
Products
Issue/Introduction
If VMware Workstation is installed on a Linux host and the Linux kernel is updated, you may experience these symptoms:
- The VMware Workstation user interface no longer starts
- You see an error indicating that the VMware Workstation user interface is not working
Environment
- VMware Workstation 11.x (for Linux)
- VMware Workstation 8.x (Linux)
- VMware Workstation 4.x (Linux)
- VMware Workstation 9.x (Linux)
- VMware Workstation 5.x (Linux)
- VMware Workstation 10.x (Linux)
- VMware Workstation 7.x (Linux)
- VMware Workstation 3.x (Linux)
- VMware Workstation 6.x (Linux)
Resolution
Configuration with vmware-config.pl is required when you upgrade your host operating system kernel.
Note: It is not necessary to reinstall Workstation after you upgrade your kernel. In Workstation 6.5.x and earlier, follow the proceeding instructions. In Workstation 7 and later, a tool called vmware-modconfig runs the first time Workstation launches after the kernel is updated -- you need to enter the root password at this time.
The installer places vmware-config.pl in /usr/bin . If /usr/bin is not in your default path, run the program with this command:
/usr/bin/vmware-config.pl
To run vmware-config.pl:
- If you have not already done so, open a terminal window and become root.
- Use this command to start the program:
vmware-config.pl - Respond to the prompts. In most cases, the default response is appropriate.
Additional Information
In Workstation 7.x and later, it is possible to re-configure without launching Workstation. Run this command, after upgrading the kernel:
vmware-modconfig --console --install-all
The --console switch tells Workstation not to launch the GUI, and the --install-all switch rebuilds and reinstalls all modules.
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