how do I install vmware tools in a VM running in player on an Ubuntu host?

[ersatz]

I have an Ubuntu host ( Ubuntu 14.04.2 LTS )

I have a Fedora VM ( 4.0.4-301.fc22.x86_64 ) and I would like to install vmware tools on this vm.

When I select from player VirtualMachine -> Reinstall VMware Tools...

I get a prompt in a box on the screen.  It says:

The following software is available for download:

VMware Tools for Linux version 9.9.3

  What would you like to do?

X Cancel   |  Download and Install

Of course I choose Download and install (kind of stupid question -- why would I want to cancel?)

Then instead of downloading the tools that I want to install, it says:

Your permission is needed to install a VMware update.

Please enter the root password to proceed.

Password: ___________

okay.  Now which root password is it looking for?  The VM or the host?

I try the VM and it does not work -- "incorrect password... try again."

... well Ubuntu does not have a root user.  So I try the password for the user with root privileges

"incorrect password... try again."

Then it fails out.

Not very satisfying.

The instructions I have found in my searches just tell you to take the step of getting the tools package and then (well, none of the rest of it matters if the tools are not available to me).

Suggestions?  Tips?

[ersatz · Accepted solution]

The password required is for the host.

A workaround that functions is to "sudo su -" from the host ubuntu, then start vmplayer from the root prompt.  You have to navigate to the vm since that user does not have a history of opening it yet ... but then there is no prompt asking for a password when trying to download the tools.

[Alexxsw]

ye.. I usually run updates for VMplayer from root console, If dont bother you just run it with sudo privileges.