VMware Tools Installation Fails with WinError 193 during vmStatsProvider.dll Registration

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

When attempting to install or update VMware Tools, the installation fails or sits indefinitely. The vminst.log or Windows Event Logs contain the following error:

Util_RegServer: Failed to load dll "C:\Program Files\VMware\VMware Tools\vmStatsProvider\win32\vmStatsProvider.dll"| winerror code 193 (%1 is not a valid Win32 application.)

This issue primarily affects Windows Server 2016 and 2019 environments after ESXi host patching or during automatic VMware Tools updates.

Environment

VMware Tools 13.x

Windows Server 2016

Windows Server 2019

Cause

WinError 193 indicates a runtime dependency conflict or a corrupted file. 

• C++ Redistributable Mismatch: The installer cannot properly read or access the required Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable runtime. This prevents the 64-bit installer from correctly registering the 32-bit vmStatsProvider.dll used for PerfMon integration.
• Corrupted DLL: The vmStatsProvider.dll file may be corrupted or exist as a 0-byte file, preventing the system from recognizing it as a valid Win32 application.
  
  

Resolution

1. Environmental Dependencies
   1. Update C++ Redistributables: Ensure the latest supported Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages (both x86 and x64) are installed. 
   2. Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Requirement for VMware Tools
2. Clean Reinstallation
   1. Mount the VMware Tools ISO to the VM.
   2. Open an Elevated Command Prompt (Run as Administrator).
   3. Navigate to the mounted drive
   4. Run the installer using the following command to ensure a clean 64-bit execution:

      1. setup.exe /c

      2. Note: Running the installer with the /c flag forces the removal of any lingering legacy registry entries before starting the fresh install.
3. Open Services.msc and verify the VMware Tools service is 'Running'.

Additional Information

For additional information Contact Support