Credential Store Backing File

The credential store backing file is an XML file that is saved locally on the client machine for access at runtime. Unless otherwise specified, the backing file is located in the following location:

• Linux. $HOME/.vmware/credstore/vicredentials.xml
• Windows Vista and later. C:\Users\[user_name]\AppData\Roaming\VMware\credstore\vicredentials.xml
• Windows XP and Windows 2000. 
C:\Documents and Settings\[user_name]\Application Data\VMware\credstore\vicredentials.xml

The credential store persists locally on a per-user basis—each user has his or her own credential store backing file.

Caution: The credential store backing files use filesystem-level permissions to ensure that passwords remain confidential. Protect the credential store backing file with appropriate file permissions.

Credential Store File Format shows the XML elements that are read and written to the file.

Credential Store File Format

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
     <viCredentials>
          <version>1.0</version>
          <passwordEntry>
              <host>mi6.vmware.com</host>
              <username>agent007</username>
              <password>IhWS1saIhtsw2FbIh0w2F2...</password>
          </passwordEntry>
          <passwordEntry>
              ...
          </passwordEntry>
          ...
     </viCredentials>