In this article I will describe how to make the install of VMware Workstation silent. This is an easy proces. Make sure you have the VMware Workstation downloaded. The VMware Workstation comes as an executable, but inside there is an MSI file. You have to execute the following command:
vmwareworkstation.exe /extract D:\temp\vmw
This takes a while, but will result in a folder with the following content:
Now you can make it easily silent and manageable using normal MSI parameters
msiexec /i "vmware workstation.msi" /qb
Ofcourse you can add property’s to the installation. You can choose the following:
ADDLOCAL
Which components needs to be added to the installation, suggested is ALL
DESKTOP_SHORTCUT, QUICKLAUNCH_SHORTCUT, STARTMENU_SHORTCUT
Do you like an shortcut to VMware Workstation on your desktop? Use DESKTOP_SHORTCUT=1. This is also available for the quicklaunch and startmenu icon.
DISABLE_AUTORUN
Disable the autorun for the cdrom and usbdrives.
SERIALNUMBER
Enter your serial number in the following format xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx
During uninstallation of VMware you can use the following commandline:
msiexec /x "vmware workstation.msi" REMOVE_ACCOUNT_INFO=0 REMOVE_LICENSE=0 REMOVE_SETTINGFILES=0 REBOOT=R /qn
You have to specify the /qn parameter because else you still get the following question from VMware Workstation:
REMOVE_ACCOUNT_INFO
Removes the VMware Account information from you computer. If you are performing an upgrade, it is easier to leave this on your computer.
REMOVE_LICENSE
Removes your VMware License from your computer
REMOVE_SETTINGFILES
Removes the settings from your computer