Install VMware Tools on CentOS

Nov 14, 2023

Welcome to Cloud Hosting LV's comprehensive guide on how to install VMware Tools on CentOS. In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of installing VMware Tools on your CentOS system, allowing you to enhance the performance and functionality of your virtual machines.

Why Install VMware Tools on CentOS?

Before we delve into the installation process, let's understand why installing VMware Tools is crucial for your CentOS-based virtual environment. VMware Tools is a suite of utilities that enhances the experience of running virtual machines. With VMware Tools installed, you can take advantage of features such as:

  • Improved graphics and mouse performance
  • Better time synchronization between host and guest
  • Efficient handling of network connections
  • Enhanced file and clipboard sharing
  • And much more!

Prerequisites

Before proceeding with the installation, make sure you have the following prerequisites in place:

  • A running CentOS virtual machine on VMware
  • Root or sudo access to the CentOS system
  • Internet connectivity within the virtual machine

Step 1: Update CentOS

Prior to installing VMware Tools, it is essential to update your CentOS system to ensure you have the latest packages and dependencies. Open your terminal or SSH into your CentOS virtual machine and run the following commands:

$ sudo yum update

This will update all the installed packages on your system and ensure you have the latest security patches.

Step 2: Mount VMware Tools

Next, within the VMware console or vSphere client, navigate to the virtual machine you wish to install VMware Tools on. Click on "Guest" in the menu and select "Install/Upgrade VMware Tools."

This action will virtually insert the VMware Tools ISO into your CentOS virtual machine.

Step 3: Extract and Install VMware Tools

Now, we need to extract and install VMware Tools on CentOS. Execute the following commands in your CentOS terminal:

$ mkdir /tmp/vmware-tools $ mount /dev/cdrom /tmp/vmware-tools $ tar -C /tmp/vmware-tools -zxvf /tmp/vmware-tools/VMwareTools-*.tar.gz

Once the extraction is complete, navigate to the extracted directory:

$ cd /tmp/vmware-tools/vmware-tools-distrib

Run the installer script to begin the installation:

$ sudo ./vmware-install.pl

The installer will guide you through the installation process. Simply press Enter to select the default options.

Step 4: Configuration and Reboot

After the installation completes, you will need to configure the installed VMware Tools. Execute the following command:

$ sudo vmware-config-tools.pl -d

This command will load the default configuration for VMware Tools. You can customize the settings as per your requirements.

Finally, reboot your CentOS virtual machine for the changes to take effect:

$ sudo reboot

Once your system restarts, VMware Tools will be fully installed and functional.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed VMware Tools on your CentOS system. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can now enjoy improved performance, enhanced functionality, and better integration between your CentOS virtual machine and the VMware environment.

Cloud Hosting LV specializes in providing top-notch IT services & computer repair, internet service providers, and web design. With our expertise, your virtual environment will run smoothly and efficiently. Install VMware Tools on your CentOS system today and experience the benefits firsthand!

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