Repair VMware Tools in Windows OS fails with error: '{<GUID>}.msi' missing

Products

• VMware vSphere ESX 8.x

Issue/Introduction

• When attempting to Repair or Modify VMware Tools from Windows VM you encounter the below error:

• VMware Tools was previously installed using an MSI.
• The cached installer file
  C:\Program Files\Common Files\VMware\InstallerCache\{GUID}.msi is missing or corrupted.
• Windows Installer therefore cannot perform a Repair operation.

Environment

vSphere ESXi 7.x

vSphere ESXi 8.x

Cause

• This error occurs because Windows Installer cannot find the cached MSI package for VMware Tools.
• The InstallerCache entry is either deleted or corrupted, so the repair operation has nothing to reference.

Resolution

Recommended resolution options:

1. Fully uninstall and re-install VMTools
   

   • From the VM console:

     • Go to Control Panel → Programs and Features

     • Select VMware Tools → Uninstall

     • If prompted, allow the uninstall to complete even if warnings appear

     • Reboot the VM.

   • From the vSphere Client:
     
     
     • Right-click the VM → Guest OS → Install/Upgrade VMware Tools
       
       
     • Choose Complete installation
       
       
     • Follow the installer and reboot again

     Why this works:
     A fresh install recreates the MSI cache correctly and avoids registry inconsistencies

2. Manually provide the missing MSI

• • Mount VMware Tools ISO from vCenter.
    
    
  • Copy the full contents of the ISO locally (e.g., C:\Temp\VMwareTools).
    
    
  • Locate VMwareTools.msi.
    
    
  • Rename the MSI to match the missing GUID:{<GUID>}.msi
    
    
  • Create the directory (if missing):C:\Program Files\Common Files\VMware\InstallerCache\
    
    
  • Place the renamed MSI in that folder.
    
    
  • Retry Repair.

Limitation:
This works only if the MSI version exactly matches the installed Tools version.

 

 

Additional Information

NOTE:

• Do not copy MSI files from another VM with a different Tools Version
• Do not manually delete VMware registry keys unless uninstall has already failed or is directed by Broadcom GS Support Team.