Compatible Virtual Machines and System Images

Workstation Player can run virtual machines and system images that other VMware products create and some non-VMware products.

VMware virtual machines

Workstation Player runs virtual machines that were created by using Workstation 4 and later, GSX Server 3.x, VMware Server, and ESX Server 2.5 and later. Workstation 4 virtual machines run in legacy mode. You must use another VMware product to upgrade virtual machines created in versions earlier than Workstation 4 before you can run them in Workstation Player.

Microsoft Virtual PC and Virtual Server virtual machines

On Windows hosts, Workstation Player can run Microsoft Virtual PC and Virtual Server virtual machines. When you open a Virtual PC virtual machine in Workstation Player, Workstation Player creates a configuration file that is VMware product compatible and that has a .vmx file extension. Workstation Player preserves the original Virtual PC configuration file and gives the file a .vmc file extension. You can save the VMware product-compatible virtual machine without changing the original Virtual PC configuration file.

Symantec Backup Exec System Recovery system images

On Windows hosts, Workstation Player can run system images that were created by using Symantec Backup Exec System Recovery, formerly Symantec LiveState Recovery. When you open a Backup Exec System Recovery system image in Workstation Player, Workstation Player creates a configuration file that is VMware product compatible and that has a .vmx extension. Workstation Player preserves the original Backup Exec System Recovery system image file and gives the file a .sv2i file extension.