VMware Tools in Linux, Solaris, and FreeBSD guest operating systems uses the VMware user process. This program implements the fit-guest-to-window and other features.

Normally, this process starts after you configure VMware Tools, log out of the desktop environment, and re-login. You can start the VMware user process by running the vmtoolsd -n vmusr command. The startup command can be modified based on your system. You must start the process manually in the following environments:

  • If you run an X session without a session manager.

    For example, if you use startx to start a desktop session and do not use xdm, kdm, or gdm.

  • If you are using an older version of GNOME without gdm or xdm.
  • If you are using a session manager or environment that does not support the Desktop Application Autostart Specification, available from http://standards.freedesktop.org.
  • If you upgrade VMware Tools.

Procedure

  • Start the VMware User process.
    Option Action
    Start the VMware User process when you start an X session. Add vmtoolsd -n vmusr to the appropriate X startup script, such as the .xsession or .xinitrc file.
    Start the process after a VMware Tools software upgrade, or if certain features are not working. Open a terminal window and type the vmtoolsd -n vmusr command.