I have finally resolved this issue.
After trying loads of fixes, it was in fact C++ at fault.
I uninstalled all my present C++ versions from my laptop. I DID NOT reinstall them.
I then ran the VMWARE install executable expecting it to fail. Instead it reinstalled C++ itself and the VMware install completed successfully.
I had previously tried upgrading C++ and 'repairing' it as well. Removing it altogether was the final fix!!
