How to Install VMware Tools on Ubuntu 14.04

Introduction

VMware Tools is a set of utilities that enhances the performance of virtual machines and provides better management capabilities. It allows seamless integration between the host and guest operating systems, improving graphics performance, enabling shared folders, and more. Ubuntu 14.04 is an older version of Ubuntu, but you can still install VMware Tools on it.

In this short guide, we will explain how to install VMware Tools on Ubuntu 14.04.

Please note that Ubuntu 14.04 has reached its end-of-life and is no longer supported. It is highly recommended to upgrade to a newer version of Ubuntu for improved security and features.

Step 1: Update Your System

Before installing VMware Tools, update your Ubuntu 14.04 system using the following commands:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade

Step 2: Install Required Packages

To install VMware Tools, you need to have some required packages on your system. Install them using the following commands:

sudo apt-get install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)

Step 3: Mount the VMware Tools ISO Image

In the VMware virtual machine’s menu, go to VM > Install VMware Tools. This action will mount the VMware Tools ISO image on your Ubuntu 14.04 system. The ISO image should be mounted in the /media directory. To check if it’s mounted correctly, run:

ls /media

You should see a directory named VMware Tools or similar.

Step 4: Extract the VMware Tools Files

Create a temporary directory to extract the VMware Tools files:

mkdir ~/vmware-tools

Copy the VMware Tools tar.gz file to the temporary directory:

cp /media/VMware\ Tools/VMwareTools-*.tar.gz ~/vmware-tools

Navigate to the temporary directory and extract the files:

cd ~/vmware-tools
tar -xzvf VMwareTools-*.tar.gz

Step 5: Install VMware Tools

Change to the extracted VMware Tools directory:

cd vmware-tools-distrib

Run the installer script:

sudo ./vmware-install.pl

The script will prompt you for input during the installation process. Press Enter to accept the default options. You can also customize the installation by providing your own inputs.

Step 6: Reboot the System

After the installation is complete, reboot your Ubuntu 14.04 virtual machine:

sudo reboot

VMware Tools should now be installed and active on your Ubuntu 14.04 system.

Commands Mentioned:

• sudo apt-get update – Updates the package list on Ubuntu 14.04
• sudo apt-get upgrade – Upgrades installed packages on Ubuntu 14.04
• sudo apt-get install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r) – Installs required packages for VMware Tools
• sudo ./vmware-install.pl – Runs the VMware Tools installer script
• sudo reboot – Reboots the Ubuntu 14.04 system

Conclusion

By following this guide, you have successfully installed VMware Tools on Ubuntu 14.04. The installation of VMware Tools enhances the performance of your virtual machine, improves graphics capabilities, enables shared folders, and provides better integration between the host and guest operating systems. However, it’s important to note that Ubuntu 14.04 has reached its end-of-life and is no longer supported. For improved security, features, and ongoing support, it is highly recommended to upgrade to a newer version of Ubuntu.

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