VMware Tools Installation Failed with Error – Setup cannot continue because a later version of this product is already installed

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

When attempting to install VMware Tools on a Windows virtual machine, the following error is displayed:

"Setup cannot continue because a later version of this product is already installed."

This error prevents the installation of VMware Tools, leading to potential loss of mouse control, GUI responsiveness, and RDP connectivity.

Cause

This issue occurs when:

• A previous or higher version of VMware Tools was partially or improperly uninstalled.
• Registry or system components still reference the old installation.
• A downgrade or reinstallation attempt triggers a version conflict.

Resolution

Step 1: Access the Virtual Machine:

• Download and install VMware Remote Console (VMRC) on your local desktop.
• Open vCenter, locate the VM, and launch VMRC.
• Take a snapshot of the VM before making any changes.

Step 2: Identify VMware Tools Installation:

• Open PowerShell inside the VM (via VMRC).
• Run the following PowerShell command to list installed VMware Tools and its GUID:
                 \> Get-WmiObject Win32_Product | Where-Object { $_.Name -like "*VMware Tools*" } | Select-Object Name, IdentifyingNumber
• Note the IdentifyingNumber (GUID) associated with VMware Tools.

 

Step 3: Uninstall VMware Tools:
          Option A: Using msiexec
                    Replace {GUID} with the value obtained from Step 2.
                    PowerShell command - 
                                 \> msiexec /x {GUID} /qn /norestart
 
          Option B: Using WMI (if msiexec fails)
                   PowerShell command
                                \> wmic product where "name like '%%VMware Tools%%'" call uninstall /nointeractive

Step 4: Verify Uninstallation:

• Confirm that VMware Tools is no longer listed.
• PowerShell command
                    \> wmic product get name

Step 5: Download Correct VMware Tools ISO

• Download the VMware Tools ISO from the Broadcom Support Portal:

Step 6: Install VMware Tools

• Mount the ISO to the VM via vCenter.
• Launch the setup from the mounted drive.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
• Reboot the VM once the installation finishes.

Step 7: Post-Installation Verification

• Confirm that VMware Tools is listed in Programs and Features.
• Check the Summary tab of the VM in vCenter for the correct version.
• Verify that RDP access and mouse control are restored.