VMWare Server 1.0.5 won't work after latest updates

[fraxinus]

Dear friends,

I have just updated my main install, for the first time for a good while, and now my VMWare Server will not work.

The app starts as normal. However, if I attempt to power on one of my VMs, I get the following:

Unable to change virtual machine power state: The process exited with an error:
End of error message.

I then ran vmware-config.pl from the terminal, but while doing so I got following message:

Your kernel was built with "gcc" version "4.1.1", while you are trying to use
"/usr/bin/gcc" version "4.4.1". This configuration is not recommended and
VMware Server may crash if you'll continue. Please try to use exactly same
compiler as one used for building your kernel. Do you want to go with compiler
"/usr/bin/gcc" version "4.4.1" anyway?

I answered "yes" - the configuration appeared to complete and I was able to enter my serial no and finish off. However, re-starting vmware and attempting to power up a VM I get the same message about VM power state.

Any suggestions, anyone? I am running kernel 2.6.26.8 tex3. Do I need a higher version, and if so will I find it in the main section of the repo?

Many thanks in anticipation.

[fraxinus]

update!

I have not given up. After rooting around amongst my various files, I found a downloaded patch used to configure VMware Server 1.x to run on kernel 2.6.26 (vmware-update-2.6.26-5.5.7.tgz) - I had used this before and it had worked for me well on PCLOS 2009.

I ran it again, and then vmware-config.pl - and now I can power up my VMs once more. However, in the process I was again advised of a kernel/gcc mismatch as described already. It is clear that not all is well, as my VMs will not run properly in full screen mode. Trying this, I get a display of poor quality which sits in the lower part of my display rather than filling it.

I'd still be interested in any comments/guidance people might have, on this or on my original post. Do people have success running VMWare 2 on PCLOS fully updated with the 2.6.26 kernel? If so, I'd consider downloading it and trying it. Thanks in advance for any insights or suggestions.

[didiergm]

2.6.26 no problems from the kernel, but:

issue you will have is that vmware-config will complain that you're trying to compile with a compiler version which is not the one used to build the kernel; I decided tyo ingore that and was successfull;

you also need to look at rustynail's script because of gtk issues

finally beware that with the kernel in testing (2.6.32), I cannot build vmware-cionfig; not sure why, it could be a library not up to date.

so between gtk issues and compiler issues, I have not had a clean vmware setup for a very long time;

[fraxinus]

didier,

Once again, I am very grateful for you sharing with me your knowledge of VMWare. Thank you!

As a graphic designer I have depended upon VMWare Server for years to run Adobe apps in Windows XP (which it has done spectacularly well, I must say ...). Now I'll need to reconsider my strategy - and quickly, as the Christmas/New Year holidays will soon be over and clients will be expecting me to work again! If I stick with PCLinuxOS on my main workstation I may have a go with VirtualBox, if I can manage to get my existing VMs to run in it. 

so between gtk issues and compiler issues, I have not had a clean vmware setup for a very long time;

When you say that your current VMWare setup is 'not clean', may I ask you a couple of questions please?

• Which version(s) are you running at present?
• Are you experiencing any specific problems or missing functionality when running your VMs?

Thanks very much indeed if you are able to help. I only ask this as I'd consider switching to VMWare Server 2, or to VMWare Player - but would be reluctant to invest time in this if I am still likely to have display or other problems. I am only really concerned about missing functionality - I am not bothered too much if GTK problems leave the console interface looking a bit rough around the edges.