Hmm.. that kind of doesn't exist as the VM captures the focus.
The only way to have the VM let it uncapture focus is by using that key combo.
You mention you are in command line mode early boot process so can't depend on vmware tools to run in unity (which would give you what you are after)
But you can attach a VNC session to a VM. Maybe that would give you what you are after?
Menu -> Virtual Machine -> Settings -> Advanced
Put the checkbox in "Remote display over VNC" and put in a password.
Then use a VNC viewer to connect to the VM. Note that the VM does not need to have networking enabled for this to work.
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Wil
