External USB Disk Not Loading ISO for VMware Player 17.5.1 on Linux

Introduction

VMware Player is a popular virtualization software that allows users to run virtual machines on their local machines. It supports various guest operating systems, including Linux distributions. However, users might encounter issues when trying to access an external USB disk in a Linux VM using VMware Player 17.5.1. This article aims to provide a solution for this problem.

Symptoms

The symptoms of this issue include:

• The external USB disk does not appear in the VM's file manager or desktop.
• VMware Player does not recognize the USB disk.
• The VM window shows a lower right corner message that guesses the chosen make of the external USB disk, but it does not make it available.

Cause

The cause of this issue is related to the Linux VM's virtual hardware configuration and the way VMware Player handles USB devices. By default, VMware Player does not enable USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 devices for Linux VMs. This can prevent the external USB disk from being detected and loaded in the VM.

Solution

To solve the issue of an external USB disk not loading in VMware Player 17.5.1 on Linux, follow these steps:

1. Step 1: Check the USB controller in the VM settings

   Ensure that the VM has a USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 controller enabled. To do this:

   1. Open VMware Player and select the Linux VM.
   2. Click on "Edit Virtual Machine Settings."
   3. Go to the "Hardware" tab and expand the "USB Controllers" section.
   4. Ensure that a USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 controller is enabled.

2. Step 2: Enable USB device numbering

   VMware Player uses a unique numbering scheme for USB devices. Ensuring that USB device numbering is enabled in the VM settings can help resolve the issue:

   1. Open VMware Player and select the Linux VM.
   2. Click on "Edit Virtual Machine Settings."
   3. Go to the "Options" tab and expand the "Guest Isolation" section.
   4. Check the "Enable USB device numbering" option.

3. Step 3: Add the USB disk to the VM settings

   Add the external USB disk to the VM settings:

   1. Open VMware Player and select the Linux VM.
   2. Click on "Edit Virtual Machine Settings."
   3. Go to the "Hardware" tab and expand the "USB" section.
   4. Click on "Add..." and select the external USB disk from the list.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the issue of an external USB disk not loading in VMware Player 17.5.1 on Linux can be resolved by checking the USB controller in the VM settings, enabling USB device numbering, and adding the USB disk to the VM settings. These steps ensure that the VM recognizes and can access the external USB disk.