Failure to install VMWare Tools Error: Exception in installing vmware tools. Error: Object reference not set to an instance of an object

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

The VMware Tools automated installation workflow fails post-installation when deployed via a custom script.

The custom deployment script logs report the following exceptions: Exception in installing vmware tools. Error: Object reference not set to an instance of an object. Cannot bind argument to parameter 'Name' because it is an empty string.

These errors occur when the custom PowerShell wrapper attempts to interact with the custom registry path HKLM:\SOFTWARE\<REDACTED_PII>\MsiSrv\AllowedMSIProducts. The native VMware Tools installer (setup.exe /S /v "/qn REBOOT=R") successfully executes and returns standard Windows Installer Exit Code 3010 (Success, Reboot Required) prior to the script failing.

Environment

VMware Tools

Cause

The root cause is a logic failure within the custom deployment automation script, which encounters an unhandled exception or null variable assignment during post-installation registry operations.

Resolution

 

1. Engage the internal endpoint management or automation team responsible for the deployment script.

2. Review the script logic that executes post-installation registry validation against HKLM:\SOFTWARE\<REDACTED_PII>\MsiSrv\AllowedMSIProducts.

3. Modify the script to correctly parse and handle the 3010 exit code.

4. Ensure no null variables are passed to the Name parameter during the registry key creation or validation phase.