How to check/modify vmware tools in windows 2008 R2

[trink408]

Hey guys,

I'm going through some documentation regarding our backup software, and it says to check and make sure VSS is installed/enabled in the vmware tools installation, but when I go to the add/remove programs and look to "modify" the installation I don't have that option. My only option is to uninstall vmware tools.

Is VSS automatically installed/enabled now in vmware tools? We are running vsphere 4.0.

thanks

Kevin

[Troy_Clavell · Accepted solution]

I could be wrong but I believe the VSS driver is enabled by default. To check, right click on the VMguestInstall/Upgrade tools. When the tools mount, you have an option to modify, look under the drivers section

[vmroyale]

Hello.

Use the VM console and initiate a new tools install. From there you can choose the option to modify and scroll through the options to see if VSS is already there.

Good Luck!

[trink408]

Thanks guys.

Looks like the VSS driver is installed by default.

Kevin

[pdrace]

Does this work if you're "upgrading" a vm with the same version. When I run setup interactively on a machine with VMtools installed 8.3.2 build 257589

there is no opportunity to chose options, it just reinstalls.  Also is there an easy way to determne if the VSS compnent is installed and enabled?

[Troy_Clavell]

yes, enabled by default, if you want to confirm doing and interactive install, choose custom.

[pdrace]

Troy Clavell wrote:

yes, enabled by default, if you want to confirm doing and interactive install, choose custom.

When I run setup on a vm with the tools installed I'm never given an option to choose an installation type.

Do I have to actually uninstall and reinstall to get to these options?

I really wish there was a change option in the current version of VM tools.

I have a MS SQL vm that is having issues with backups and I suspect that the VSS components aren't present.

[Troy_Clavell]

if you open the console of the guest, go to VM--Guest--Install/Upgrade VMware Tools, you should get a pop up for Interactive and Automatic upgrade... Automatic is the default.

[pdrace]

I am choosing interactive but when setup runs it never gives me a chance to choose typical or custom.

[Troy_Clavell]

I just tested this on a W2K8R2 Standard guest and although the tools are current, i have the option to Modify the install. You will see the VSS driver is installed by default.

[pdrace]

Strange I've tried it on 3 vms. XP, W2008R2 and Windows 7 and the install runs with no opportunity for interaction until it asks you to restart.

[pdrace]

Did you unistall the tools first? I just got off a call with VMWare and they are telling me you have to uninstall and reinstall and that what I'm experiencing is normal.