VMware Tools Install Fails - "The installer has insufficient privileges to access this directory: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VMware. The installation cannot continue. Log on as administrator or contact your system administrator."
Article ID: 453461
Updated On:
Products
Issue/Introduction
When attempting to install, update or upgrade VMware Tools, you experience the error message below on Windows Server guest OS's:
"The installer has insufficient privileges to access this directory: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VMware. The installation cannot continue. Log on as administrator or contact your system administrator."
Test creating a folder at "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\" and renaming the "new folder" to "VMware", which should fail for this KB to apply.
Test creating a folder at "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\" and renaming the "new folder" to "Test123", which should work for this KB to apply.
Environment
VMware Tools 13.x
Cause
There is a group policy, OS security configuration/hardening or third party program preventing the installer from creating the shortcuts, so the entire install process must be rolled back (uninstalled/reverted).
Resolution
Please note, this is not a VMware issue, but is caused by the guest OS and/or security programs installed on it.
Make sure you have disabled anti-virus, IDS or other security programs inside the guest OS.
Work with your guest OS vendor to idenify the configuration, disable or remove it and attempt the VMware Tools upgrade or install again.
Additional Information
Note: This is not a VMware issue, but is caused by the guest OS security configuration and/or security programs installed on it.
- Make sure you have disabled anti-virus, IDS or other security programs inside the guest OS.
- Work with your guest OS vendor to idenify the configuration, disable or remove it and attempt the VMware Tools upgrade or install again.
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