Running VMware vSphere Client on Windows 7

Link: http://xtravirt.com/running-vmware-vsphere-client-windows-7

Author(s): Xtravirt (Paul Wood)

First Published: 28 October 2009

UID: XD10134

Here we provide information on how to run the VMware VI Client on a Windows 7 operating system. An out of the box installation of the VI Client, at time of writing, does not work.
Note: At the time of writing, Windows 7 isn’t currently a supported OS for the vSphere Client. See http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1011329
1. The following ’system.dll’ file is required. This can be downloaded via the hyperlink below.

system.dll (this file has been zipped)

2. Once downloaded, either open the zip file or unzip it and place the ‘system.dll’ file into one of the following directories depending on the version of Windows 7 being used, which would be either 32 or 64 bit.

x86 Directory Path = C:\Program Files\VMware\Infrastructure\Virtual Infrastructure Client\Launcher\Lib

x64 Directory Path = C:\Program Files (x86)\VMware\Infrastructure\Virtual Infrastructure Client\Launcher\Lib

Note: If the ‘Lib directory does not exist, create it within the ‘Launcher’ directory.

3. Edit the VpxClient.exe.config file which is located in the ‘Launcher’ directory, making the changes as outlined below and as seen in the image.

Once the file has been edited, save the changes and close the file.

Note: If you receive a warning stating you cannot save the file, either reboot the computer or ensure that any VMware related software is closed and try again. If this doesn’t work then copy the file out of the “Launcher” directory, edit it, save it and then copy the file over the original one.
4. Next, edit the system properties of your machine. This can be achieved by right clicking on ’Computer’ (was usually known as ‘My Computer’ in older Microsoft OS versions) and selecting ’Properties’. Select ‘Advanced System Settings’

5. Select the ‘Environment Variables’ button

6. Add a new System variable. To do this, click ‘New...’ and add the following details.
Note: Depending on the Windows 7 OS version will depend on which Variable is required. Ensure the same path is used as per step 2.

Variable name = DEVPATH
Variable value (x86) = C:\Program Files\VMware\Infrastructure\Virtual Infrastructure Client\Launcher\Lib
Variable value (x64) = C:\Program Files (x86)\VMware\Infrastructure\Virtual Infrastructure Client\Launcher\Lib

Once this text is entered into the required fields, click OK, OK, OK and then close the View basic information about your computer properties window.

7. Launch the VI Client.
Note: You should run the VI Client with administrator privileges.

References: 

1. Techhead, http://www.techhead.co.uk/running-vmware-vsphere-client-on-windows-7
2. VMware communities, http://communities.vmware.com/thread/211440

Links: 

1. Microsoft Windows 7, http://www.microsoft.com/windows7
2. VMware vSphere, http://www.vmware.com/products/vsphere