Cannot install VMware Tools because a virtual machine's CD-ROM drive does not work

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

Attempt to install/upgrade VMware Tools fails.

• A virtual machine's CD-ROM drive does not work.
• You cannot install VMware Tools as the CD-ROM is required for install.

Resolution

The CD-ROM drive may not work if the operating system does assign the correct driver. Since VMware Tools cannot be installed without a CD-ROM drive, the incorrect network driver is also assigned to the NIC.

 

To resolve this issue, you must assign the correct driver.

 

To assign the correct driver:

1. Select the VM in the inventory.
2. Right click on the VM and select Edit Settings.
3. Select add a new device and select the CD-ROM under Disk, Driver and storage.
   
4. Once completed, again right click on the VM and select Guest --> install vmware tools.