Device status and connection settings control when a CD-ROM or DVD drive is connected to a virtual machine, whether to use a specific drive or allow Workstation Pro to detect a drive, and whether to use an ISO image file instead of a physical drive.

To configure device status and connection settings for a selected virtual machine, select VM > Settings, click the Hardware tab, and select the drive.

Table 1. Device Status and Connection Settings
Setting Description
Connected Connect the drive or ISO image file while the virtual machine is running.
Connect at power on Connect the drive or ISO image path when you power on the virtual machine.
Connection Select the location of the physical drive or ISO image file.
Remote Server
(Remote virtual machine only) The physical drive or ISO image file is located on the remote host.
Local Client
(Remote virtual machine only) The physical drive or ISO image file is located on the local host.
Local (Across Sessions)
(Shared virtual machine only) The physical drive or ISO image file can be used across multiple sessions.
Local (Single Session)
(Shared virtual machine only) The physical drive or ISO image file can be used only in this session.
Use physical drive Select a specific drive or select Auto detect to allow Workstation Pro to detect a drive to use.
Use ISO image file Specify or select an ISO image file for the virtual machine to use.

To turn on or off the access to a CD-ROM or DVD drive while a virtual machine is running, select the virtual machine, select VM > Removable Devices > CD/DVD, and select Disconnect or Connect.