How to Fix “Failed to Install VMware Tools” Error

In virtualization, VMware tools are a crucial component for enhancing the performance of virtual machines. However, installing these tools on CentOS and RHEL can sometimes result in an error, leaving many users puzzled and seeking solutions. The error message typically reads, “Searching for a valid kernel header path… The path ” is not valid. Would you like to change it? [yes]”.

Searching for a valid kernel header path...
The path "" is not valid.
Would you like to change it? [yes]

This error usually occurs when your server lacks the necessary dependencies or any required compiler.

To rectify this, you need to install the required dependencies.

Install Required Dependencies

The first step to resolving this error is to install the necessary dependencies. This can be achieved by running the following command:

yum -y install gcc make perl kernel-headers kernel-devel

This command instructs the package manager, yum, to install the gcc, make, perl, kernel-headers, and kernel-devel packages. These packages are essential for the successful installation of VMware tools.

Example:

[root@centos6 ~]# yum install gcc make perl kernel-headers kernel-devel -y
Loaded plugins: fastestmirror
base                                                                         | 3.7 kB     00:00
http://ossm.utm.my/centos/6.5/os/x86_64/repodata/617a880b84a87969e04bfeebb1b96d5f441da42ee931d374fa6b6d57decd821e-primary.sqlite.bz2: [Errno 12] Timeout on http://ossm.utm.my/centos/6.5/os/x86_64/repodata/617a880b84a87969e04bfeebb1b96d5f441da42ee931d374fa6b6d57decd821e-primary.sqlite.bz2: (28, 'Operation too slow. Less than 1 bytes/sec transfered the last 30 seconds')
Trying other mirror.
base/primary_db                                                              | 4.4 MB     00:49
extras                                                                       | 3.4 kB     00:00
extras/primary_db                                                            |  18 kB     00:00
updates                                                                      | 3.4 kB     00:00
updates/primary_db                                                           |  65 kB     00:00
Setting up Install Process
Package 1:make-3.81-20.el6.x86_64 already installed and latest version
Resolving Dependencies
--> Running transaction check
---> Package gcc.x86_64 0:4.4.7-4.el6 will be installed
--> Processing Dependency: libgomp = 4.4.7-4.el6 for package: gcc-4.4.7-4.el6.x86_64
--> Processing Dependency: cpp = 4.4.7-4.el6 for package: gcc-4.4.7-4.el6.x86_64
--> Processing Dependency: glibc-devel >= 2.2.90-12 for package: gcc-4.4.7-4.el6.x86_64
--> Processing Dependency: cloog-ppl >= 0.15 for package: gcc-4.4.7-4.el6.x86_64
--> Processing Dependency: libgomp.so.1()(64bit) for package: gcc-4.4.7-4.el6.x86_64
---> Package kernel-devel.x86_64 0:2.6.32-431.el6 will be installed
---> Package kernel-headers.x86_64 0:2.6.32-431.el6 will be installed
---> Package perl.x86_64 4:5.10.1-136.el6 will be installed
--> Processing Dependency: perl-libs = 4:5.10.1-136.el6 for package: 4:perl-5.10.1-136.el6.x86_64
--> Processing Dependency: perl-libs for package: 4:perl-5.10.1-136.el6.x86_64
--> Processing Dependency: perl(version) for package: 4:perl-5.10.1-136.el6.x86_64
--> Processing Dependency: perl(Pod::Simple) for package: 4:perl-5.10.1-136.el6.x86_64
--> Processing Dependency: perl(Module::Pluggable) for package: 4:perl-5.10.1-136.el6.x86_64
--> Processing Dependency: libperl.so()(64bit) for package: 4:perl-5.10.1-136.el6.x86_64
--> Running transaction check
---> Package cloog-ppl.x86_64 0:0.15.7-1.2.el6 will be installed
--> Processing Dependency: libppl_c.so.2()(64bit) for package: cloog-ppl-0.15.7-1.2.el6.x86_64
--> Processing Dependency: libppl.so.7()(64bit) for package: cloog-ppl-0.15.7-1.2.el6.x86_64
---> Package cpp.x86_64 0:4.4.7-4.el6 will be installed
--> Processing Dependency: libmpfr.so.1()(64bit) for package: cpp-4.4.7-4.el6.x86_64
---> Package glibc-devel.x86_64 0:2.12-1.132.el6 will be installed
--> Processing Dependency: glibc-headers = 2.12-1.132.el6 for package: glibc-devel-2.12-1.132.el6.x86_64
--> Processing Dependency: glibc-headers for package: glibc-devel-2.12-1.132.el6.x86_64
---> Package libgomp.x86_64 0:4.4.7-4.el6 will be installed
---> Package perl-Module-Pluggable.x86_64 1:3.90-136.el6 will be installed
---> Package perl-Pod-Simple.x86_64 1:3.13-136.el6 will be installed
--> Processing Dependency: perl(Pod::Escapes) >= 1.04 for package: 1:perl-Pod-Simple-3.13-136.el6.x86_64
---> Package perl-libs.x86_64 4:5.10.1-136.el6 will be installed
---> Package perl-version.x86_64 3:0.77-136.el6 will be installed
--> Running transaction check
---> Package glibc-headers.x86_64 0:2.12-1.132.el6 will be installed
---> Package mpfr.x86_64 0:2.4.1-6.el6 will be installed
---> Package perl-Pod-Escapes.x86_64 1:1.04-136.el6 will be installed
---> Package ppl.x86_64 0:0.10.2-11.el6 will be installed
--> Finished Dependency Resolution

Dependencies Resolved

====================================================================================================
 Package                         Arch             Version                      Repository      Size
====================================================================================================
Installing:
 gcc                             x86_64           4.4.7-4.el6                  base            10 M
 kernel-devel                    x86_64           2.6.32-431.el6               base           8.7 M
 kernel-headers                  x86_64           2.6.32-431.el6               base           2.8 M
 perl                            x86_64           4:5.10.1-136.el6             base            10 M
Installing for dependencies:
 cloog-ppl                       x86_64           0.15.7-1.2.el6               base            93 k
 cpp                             x86_64           4.4.7-4.el6                  base           3.7 M
 glibc-devel                     x86_64           2.12-1.132.el6               base           978 k
 glibc-headers                   x86_64           2.12-1.132.el6               base           608 k
 libgomp                         x86_64           4.4.7-4.el6                  base           118 k
 mpfr                            x86_64           2.4.1-6.el6                  base           157 k
 perl-Module-Pluggable           x86_64           1:3.90-136.el6               base            40 k
 perl-Pod-Escapes                x86_64           1:1.04-136.el6               base            32 k
 perl-Pod-Simple                 x86_64           1:3.13-136.el6               base           212 k
 perl-libs                       x86_64           4:5.10.1-136.el6             base           578 k
 perl-version                    x86_64           3:0.77-136.el6               base            51 k
 ppl                             x86_64           0.10.2-11.el6                base           1.3 M

Transaction Summary
====================================================================================================
Install      16 Package(s)

Total download size: 40 M
Installed size: 98 M
Downloading Packages:
(1/16): cloog-ppl-0.15.7-1.2.el6.x86_64.rpm                                  |  93 kB     00:00
(2/16): cpp-4.4.7-4.el6.x86_64.rpm                                           | 3.7 MB     00:42
(3/16): gcc-4.4.7-4.el6.x86_64.rpm                                           |  10 MB     01:40
(4/16): glibc-devel-2.12-1.132.el6.x86_64.rpm                                | 978 kB     00:09
(5/16): glibc-headers-2.12-1.132.el6.x86_64.rpm                              | 608 kB     00:06
(6/16): kernel-devel-2.6.32-431.el6.x86_64.rpm                               | 8.7 MB     01:25
(7/16): kernel-headers-2.6.32-431.el6.x86_64.rpm                             | 2.8 MB     00:30
(8/16): libgomp-4.4.7-4.el6.x86_64.rpm                                       | 118 kB     00:01
(9/16): mpfr-2.4.1-6.el6.x86_64.rpm                                          | 157 kB     00:01
(10/16): perl-5.10.1-136.el6.x86_64.rpm                                      |  10 MB     01:35
(11/16): perl-Module-Pluggable-3.90-136.el6.x86_64.rpm                       |  40 kB     00:00
(12/16): perl-Pod-Escapes-1.04-136.el6.x86_64.rpm                            |  32 kB     00:00
(13/16): perl-Pod-Simple-3.13-136.el6.x86_64.rpm                             | 212 kB     00:01
(14/16): perl-libs-5.10.1-136.el6.x86_64.rpm                                 | 578 kB     00:05
(15/16): perl-version-0.77-136.el6.x86_64.rpm                                |  51 kB     00:00
(16/16): ppl-0.10.2-11.el6.x86_64.rpm                                        | 1.3 MB     00:11
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                               103 kB/s |  40 MB     06:35
warning: rpmts_HdrFromFdno: Header V3 RSA/SHA1 Signature, key ID c105b9de: NOKEY
Retrieving key from file:///etc/pki/rpm-gpg/RPM-GPG-KEY-CentOS-6
Importing GPG key 0xC105B9DE:
 Userid : CentOS-6 Key (CentOS 6 Official Signing Key) 
 Package: centos-release-6-5.el6.centos.11.1.x86_64 (@anaconda-CentOS-201311272149.x86_64/6.5)
 From   : /etc/pki/rpm-gpg/RPM-GPG-KEY-CentOS-6
Running rpm_check_debug
Running Transaction Test
Transaction Test Succeeded
Running Transaction
  Installing : 1:perl-Pod-Escapes-1.04-136.el6.x86_64                                          1/16
  Installing : 4:perl-libs-5.10.1-136.el6.x86_64                                               2/16
  Installing : 1:perl-Pod-Simple-3.13-136.el6.x86_64                                           3/16
  Installing : 3:perl-version-0.77-136.el6.x86_64                                              4/16
  Installing : 1:perl-Module-Pluggable-3.90-136.el6.x86_64                                     5/16
  Installing : 4:perl-5.10.1-136.el6.x86_64                                                    6/16
  Installing : ppl-0.10.2-11.el6.x86_64                                                        7/16
  Installing : cloog-ppl-0.15.7-1.2.el6.x86_64                                                 8/16
  Installing : mpfr-2.4.1-6.el6.x86_64                                                         9/16
  Installing : cpp-4.4.7-4.el6.x86_64                                                         10/16
  Installing : libgomp-4.4.7-4.el6.x86_64                                                     11/16
  Installing : kernel-headers-2.6.32-431.el6.x86_64                                           12/16
  Installing : glibc-headers-2.12-1.132.el6.x86_64                                            13/16
  Installing : glibc-devel-2.12-1.132.el6.x86_64                                              14/16
  Installing : gcc-4.4.7-4.el6.x86_64                                                         15/16
  Installing : kernel-devel-2.6.32-431.el6.x86_64                                             16/16
  Verifying  : 1:perl-Module-Pluggable-3.90-136.el6.x86_64                                     1/16
  Verifying  : kernel-headers-2.6.32-431.el6.x86_64                                            2/16
  Verifying  : cpp-4.4.7-4.el6.x86_64                                                          3/16
  Verifying  : glibc-devel-2.12-1.132.el6.x86_64                                               4/16
  Verifying  : 1:perl-Pod-Escapes-1.04-136.el6.x86_64                                          5/16
  Verifying  : libgomp-4.4.7-4.el6.x86_64                                                      6/16
  Verifying  : 4:perl-5.10.1-136.el6.x86_64                                                    7/16
  Verifying  : mpfr-2.4.1-6.el6.x86_64                                                         8/16
  Verifying  : 4:perl-libs-5.10.1-136.el6.x86_64                                               9/16
  Verifying  : 1:perl-Pod-Simple-3.13-136.el6.x86_64                                          10/16
  Verifying  : kernel-devel-2.6.32-431.el6.x86_64                                             11/16
  Verifying  : gcc-4.4.7-4.el6.x86_64                                                         12/16
  Verifying  : 3:perl-version-0.77-136.el6.x86_64                                             13/16
  Verifying  : ppl-0.10.2-11.el6.x86_64                                                       14/16
  Verifying  : cloog-ppl-0.15.7-1.2.el6.x86_64                                                15/16
  Verifying  : glibc-headers-2.12-1.132.el6.x86_64                                            16/16

Installed:
  gcc.x86_64 0:4.4.7-4.el6                          kernel-devel.x86_64 0:2.6.32-431.el6
  kernel-headers.x86_64 0:2.6.32-431.el6            perl.x86_64 4:5.10.1-136.el6

Dependency Installed:
  cloog-ppl.x86_64 0:0.15.7-1.2.el6                   cpp.x86_64 0:4.4.7-4.el6
  glibc-devel.x86_64 0:2.12-1.132.el6                 glibc-headers.x86_64 0:2.12-1.132.el6
  libgomp.x86_64 0:4.4.7-4.el6                        mpfr.x86_64 0:2.4.1-6.el6
  perl-Module-Pluggable.x86_64 1:3.90-136.el6         perl-Pod-Escapes.x86_64 1:1.04-136.el6
  perl-Pod-Simple.x86_64 1:3.13-136.el6               perl-libs.x86_64 4:5.10.1-136.el6
  perl-version.x86_64 3:0.77-136.el6                  ppl.x86_64 0:0.10.2-11.el6

Complete!

Commands Mentioned

• yum -y install gcc make perl kernel-headers kernel-devel – This command installs the gcc, make, perl, kernel-headers, and kernel-devel packages, which are necessary for the installation of VMware tools.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the “Failed to Install VMware Tools” error is a common issue encountered by users trying to install VMware tools on CentOS and RHEL. This error is typically due to the absence of necessary dependencies or required compilers on your server. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily rectify this issue and ensure a successful installation of VMware tools.

Remember, understanding the root cause of the problem and knowing how to fix it not only helps you resolve the current issue but also equips you with the knowledge to prevent similar issues in the future.

Happy troubleshooting!

FAQs

1. What are VMware tools and why are they important?

   VMware tools are a suite of utilities that enhance the performance of the virtual machine’s guest operating system and improve management of the virtual machine. They are crucial for improving the interaction between the host and guest operating systems, enabling better performance and usability of the virtual machine.

2. Why does the “Failed to Install VMware Tools” error occur?

   The “Failed to Install VMware Tools” error typically occurs when your server lacks the necessary dependencies or any required compiler for the installation of VMware tools. These dependencies are essential for the tools to interact properly with the system’s kernel.

3. What does the command ‘yum -y install gcc make perl kernel-headers kernel-devel’ do?

   This command instructs the package manager, yum, to install the gcc, make, perl, kernel-headers, and kernel-devel packages. These packages are essential for the successful installation of VMware tools as they provide the necessary components for compiling and building new modules that can interact with your server’s kernel.

4. What is the role of kernel headers and kernel development packages in this process?

   Kernel headers and kernel development packages provide the necessary files and functions for compiling and building new modules that can interact with your server’s kernel. They are crucial for the VMware tools installation process as they allow the tools to integrate properly with the system’s kernel.

5. What is the significance of the ‘yum’ command in Linux?

   Yum, which stands for Yellowdog Updater, Modified, is a package manager that helps users to install, update, and remove software packages in Linux distributions. It automatically resolves dependencies and provides an easy way to manage packages, making it an essential tool for maintaining and updating Linux systems.