Access the Installation File

• 1). Go to the download section of the WMware website to download the latest version of the player for free (see Resources for link). If you are using a VMware Player product CD, insert the CD into your CD drive.
  
  
• 2). Locate your VMware Player executable file (a file ending in .exe). If you are using an Internet download, look for a .exe file located on your Desktop or in your "Downloads" folder. If you are using a CD, look for the .exe file in your CD folder located under "My Computer."
  
  
• 3). Double click on the VMware Player executable file to begin installation.
  
  

Complete the Installation

• 1). Look for an open window that says, "Welcome to the Installation Wizard for VMware Player." Press "Next."
  
  
• 2). Choose a destination folder for your VMware player. To accept the default location, click "Next." To select an alternative location, click "Change." After choosing an alternative location, click "OK" and then "Next."
  
  
• 3). Decide if you would like VMware to automatically check for product updates during startup. Select your preferences in the installer window and click "Next." Decide if you would like VMware to collect anonymous data from you to help with future product development. Select your preferences and click "Next."
  
  
• 4). Decide if you would like to have a shortcut icon for VMware Player on your desktop. If you would like to accept the default shortcut, click "Next." If you do not want a desktop shortcut, deselect the shortcut icon and click "Next."
  
  
• 5). Click "Continue" or "Install" to begin the installation. This will finish downloading the VMware Player to your host computer.
  
  

Run the VMware Player

• 1). Go to the "Start" menu, then click "Programs," and then click "VMware Player." If you installed a shortcut, double-click on the VMware Player icon on your desktop.
  
  
• 2). Wait for the VMware Player program to load, and then look for the VMware Player welcome page. Select "Open a VM" and find the configuration file (a file ending in .vmx) for the virtual machine that you would like to access. If you do not yet have a virtual machine file, you can download one from VMware's "Virtual Appliance Marketplace" (see Resources for link).
  
  
• 3). Click "Open" to begin running your virtual machine in Windows. Your virtual machine will open in a new window and will begin running an additional operating system on your existing host computer.