vmware player free

[peterr]

Hello

Win 7 x 64, Home Premium, i5, 1T, 3.30GHz

I am an average level user.

Is the vmware player free something an average pcer can use or will it be too difficult?
I would like to try new things without fear of messing up my host os and be able to just remove the guest os if disaster strikes.

If average people can use it, are there any tips you can give to enable an easier installation?
Thank you

[Goldenskull]

yes it says its free
http://majorgeeks.com/VMware_Player_d4891.html

[Earthling]

It's very straightforward to set up, just like any other app, but you do need installation media of some sort to put an operating system on it. Great way to take a peek at the Win 8 Release Preview, or to try out a Linux distro.

No need to be concerned about messing up your system, take an image first or use your reg backup tool, either would safeguard you.

[peterr]

Is the Virtual Box an equal choice. I am trying to read as much as I can to keep it as simple as possible.

[Earthling]

I'm sure Virtual Box has its fans but I used both for some time before jumping decidedly in favour of VMWare. VBox does have one feature that you have to pay (a lot) for in VMWare - snapshots, but I don't regard them as essential at all. What system are you wanting to try out in a VM?

[peterr]

Originally Posted by Earthling

I'm sure Virtual Box has its fans but I used both for some time before jumping decidedly in favour of VMWare. VBox does have one feature that you have to pay (a lot) for in VMWare - snapshots, but I don't regard them as essential at all. What system are you wanting to try out in a VM?

>>If not too complicated, I was interested in looking at my son's new rave, the Chrome O.S.(cloud based) and Win 8.
I have the hardware for Win 8 so it is something I woud like to see and work with, to see if I want it now.

[Earthling]

VMWare will be just the ticket for that sort of thing. Give it a whirl!

[peterr]

Originally Posted by Earthling

VMWare will be just the ticket for that sort of thing. Give it a whirl!

>>Thank you and I am sure I'll be back for help. Hi to David.

[Earthling]

One feature that is easily overlooked, as by default it isn't enabled, is Shared Folders. Do read the help on this as you can make selected folders on your Win 7 host available to the guest OS. This is a great feature and one of the many reasons why VMWare leaves Win 7's XP Mode miles behind.

[peterr]

Thank you for that tip about shared folders.

I am about to find a VMware download site so I'll put MG in front and see what comes up. I was looking for Vmware and there is a "Vmare player" and other names.

Then, of course, there is the job of installing a program into the VM once done.

If successful I look forward to the lack of danger with a virtual pc.

[Earthling]

Originally Posted by peterr

I am about to find a VMware download site

You've probably already found it but HERE you go peter. It's one amazing bit of software so hope you enjoy it.

[peterr]

Originally Posted by Earthling

You've probably already found it but HERE you go peter. It's one amazing bit of software so hope you enjoy it.

>>Thank you for the referral.
I hope it is a pleasant learning experience also -good weekend.

[peterr]

I thouught you would be interested to kow I cannot register and nothing out of the ordinary is involved.
It has three options after the failure but none work. it says it is working on the issue. i did read somewhere that VMware Player is not issuing any more which struck me as odd because so many people recommended it.
There is nothing you can do but I wanted you to know in case you were waiting to hear how it went.
Peter

[Earthling]

Originally Posted by peterr

... i did read somewhere that VMware Player is not issuing any more ...

Dunno where you saw that but the latest version, 4.0.4 only came out a few days ago. There must be some sort of problem with the server if you can't register but I have the 4.0.3 installation file and if you want I'll upload it to a place where you can download it without needing to register. Just say if you want it and I'll email you a link once it's available. 4.0.3 is fine and once it's up and running you will get an automatic notification about 4.0.4.

[peterr]

Originally Posted by Earthling

Dunno where you saw that but the latest version, 4.0.4 only came out a few days ago. There must be some sort of problem with the server if you can't register but I have the 4.0.3 installation file and if you want I'll upload it to a place where you can download it without needing to register. Just say if you want it and I'll email you a link once it's available. 4.0.3 is fine and once it's up and running you will get an automatic notification about 4.0.4.

>>After 7 tries it allowed me to register?Sunday and busy.
Then I could not install as I did not have privileges so I tried again by right clicking and clicking admin. This worked better,BUT, I have an attachment which I cannot understand but perhaps you can. it almost installed then this came up on each of 6 tries.

[Earthling]

I had that error too when I accepted the upgrade from 4.0.3 to 4.0.4 but after I manually uninstalled 4.0.3 it installed just fine. Are you quite sure you haven't previously installed this software? If so, just uninstall it via Control Panel.

In any case I have now uploaded 4.0.3 for you and am emailing you a link. Just save the file to your desktop and run it from there. After installation you will be offered 4.0.4 and I suggest you click Skip This Version.

[Earthling]

Hopefully you now have the 4.0.3 installation file in a zip container, courtesy of Skydrive.

[peterr]

Originally Posted by Earthling

Hopefully you now have the 4.0.3 installation file in a zip container, courtesy of Skydrive.

>>If I wanted to get the file myself sometime, is it difficult to do?
I was thinking of having to reinstall sometime.

Will the reduction in size allow it to work or will the fact that it is a zip file allow it to do so?

What is different about my machine that has trouble as opposed to others?

Fathers Day is recgnized today but I will give it a try asap.

Thank you very much for your kind help.
Peter

[peterr]

Hello B
I think you want me to use the 4.0.3 and avoid 4.0.4, correct?

You seemd to have indicated you intsalled the 4.0.3 the after having trouble with the 4.0.4 insall, removed the 4.0.3 and the 4.0.4 was ok-Correct?

[Earthling]

Assuming you have now downloaded the zip file you only have to double click it and it will open up and enable you to install the exe file it contains. Keep the zip in case you want subsequently to reinstall.

The first time you open the app after installation you will get a popup advising you that 4.0.4 is available and inviting you to upgrade. I had an error with the installer and you seperately have had a similar error, so my advice is to skip 4.0.4. and stay with 4.0.3 which works perfectly.