HOWTO access a VMware Server VM guest console

1. 

   Connect to the VMware server host using Firefox (earlier than 3.6) or Exploiter (not Safari), using the url https://{hostname}:8333 You will have to add a certificate exception and install a browser plugin on your first connection. If you are using Firefox 3.6 or later, follow these instructions anyway until you receive special instructions later on.

2. 

   Click on your chosen VM guest in the inventory panel on the left.

3. 

   Click on the console tab as indicated.

4. 

   Click anywhere in the black background window. Do this once and be patient for the console window to appear. If the VM isn't currently running it will now be started. If you are using Firefox 3.6 or later then the console window will not appear. In this case you should install Graham's vmware-vmrc package on your machine then proceed with the alternative instructions further down this page.

5. 

   A console popup window will appear.

6. 

   After a few seconds, the VM guest's console will be available.

Firefox 3.6+ users should carry on here:

1. Run /usr/bin/vmware-vmrc.
2. 
   You should get a vmware login window. Login to one of the VMware servers.
3. 
   Choose your host.
4. After a few seconds, the VM guest's console will be available.