Install Aero in VMware Player - Windows OS Guide
Enabling Aero in VMware Player Virtual Machines
Have you previously encountered difficulties enabling the Aero interface within a Windows 7 or Vista virtual machine environment? The latest beta release of VMware Player now offers this functionality, and a comprehensive guide detailing the process is provided below.
Please note that VMware Player is compatible with both Windows and Linux operating systems. It’s important to remember that, as beta software, occasional instability may occur.
Installing VMware Player
The installation procedure is straightforward, and key installation windows are illustrated for clarity. The entire installation process will require several minutes to complete as all necessary components are installed.
It is worth noting that the End User License Agreement (EULA) for VMware Player is not displayed during the initial installation phase.
During installation, you will likely be prompted with a message requesting confirmation to install driver software. Select “Install” to proceed.
Upon completion of the installation, a system restart will be required.
After restarting your computer and launching VMware Player for the first time, you will be presented with the EULA. Acceptance of the terms is necessary to utilize the software.
This is the main application window. Due to its beta status, the interface may appear slightly unusual on some systems, as shown in the screenshot. However, functionality remains unaffected.
The menus within VMware Player provide easy access to all essential features. The “Help Menu” contains a link to the Guest Operating System Installation Guide.
These are the application “Preferences”. Ensure that “Suspend the virtual machine” is enabled to preserve the state of your virtual operating system when it is not in use.
If a newer beta version is available, a message window will appear each time the program is launched (unless update checks are disabled in the “Preferences”). Clicking “Go to the Update Site” requires account registration to download the latest version. Alternatively, the newest release can often be found on software download websites like Softpedia.
Installing a System in VMware Player
To begin the operating system installation, you can either 1.) navigate to the “File Menu” and select “Create a New Virtual Machine…” or 2.) click on “Create a New Virtual” in the main window sidebar.
This process guides you through setting up your new system. The initial window requires you to select the installation source (DVD or ISO file). You also have the option to create a blank hard disk. Click “Next” after making your selection.
We chose to install from an ISO file. VMware Player automatically detected the installation type and offered the option to enter the “Windows Product Key” at this stage. Click “Next” after providing the necessary information.
Assign a name to your new virtual operating system and specify the location for the new “hard disk”. Click “Next” to continue.
Determine the desired disk size and storage format. Click “Next”.
You are now almost ready to begin the installation. Click on “Customize Hardware…” to adjust any settings as needed.
The “Settings Window” contains eight sections, but the configuration is generally straightforward. In the first section, specify the desired memory allocation. We allocated 1500 MB for our operating system installation.
Note: The only modification we made from the default settings was the memory size; everything else was already optimally configured.
Adjust the number of processor cores or the preferred virtualization engine mode if necessary.
Configure CD/DVD access as needed.
No changes are typically required for the Floppy settings.
Modify the Network settings to suit your specific requirements.
Enable or disable USB capability.
Adjust the access to the host Sound Card or select a specific device if necessary.
Make any necessary changes to the Display settings. Click “OK” to return to the virtual operating system creation wizard screen.
You are now ready to click “Finish” and begin the installation process.
During setup, you may receive a message regarding access to external storage devices, depending on the devices connected to your host computer.
You will also see a window prompting you to download and install VMware Tools. Click “Download”.
This window will display the download and installation/update progress of VMware Tools.
While VMware Tools are being downloaded and installed, the operating system installation will also proceed. The installation will involve the standard restarts for the new system and for the new VMware drivers. Allow all VMware drivers to install.
Note: If you are installing Windows 7, it will initially start with the Basic theme, and you will need to manually enable Aero.
Windows 7 in VMware Player
Here is our new Windows 7 installation displayed in full-screen mode with Aero enabled. A small VMware toolbar will be visible at the top of the screen.
Note: Switching between the virtual and actual operating systems is easy. Simply minimize the full-screen mode using the “Minimize/Maximize Button” to access your regular system. Hotkey combinations are also available.
A close-up view of the “Start Menu & Taskbar Area”.
Shut Down Process & Extra Settings
Here, the virtual operating system is displayed outside of full-screen mode. To save the current state, go to the “VM Menu”, then “Power”, and select “Suspend”.
Note: A “Snapshot Function” is currently unavailable.
If closing messages are enabled in the “Preferences”, the following window will appear when selecting “Suspend”. Click “Yes” to initiate the shutdown process.
The save process will then be initiated.
Once the operating system has shut down, you will return to the main window, displaying a screenshot of the desktop and basic system information.
After closing a freshly installed operating system, you will find a new set of “Options” available in the “Settings Window”.
There is little to change in the first area beyond the virtual operating system name and home directory. A virtual keyboard can be enabled if desired.
Decide whether to automatically enter full-screen mode when powering up virtual systems.
Set up Folder Sharing if needed.
Select the update style for VMware Tools that best suits your needs.
Enable or disable window decorations and/or the “Applications Menu”.
Bonus
During testing, we found that copying and pasting items, such as links and images, between the virtual and host systems was seamless.
Conclusion
VMware Player offers a convenient method for installing and enjoying the full-screen Aero interface within a virtual operating system.
Links
- Download VMware Player without an account
- VMware Player website requires an account
Download VMware Player (version 3.0.0.197124) - Softpedia
Download VMware Player (version 3.0.203739) - VMware Player Homepage