Installing Applications in a Virtual Machine

Installing new software in a VMware virtual machine is just like installing it on a regular computer.

If you are using physical media, you need to have access to the ESX Server computer to insert installation CD-ROM discs or floppy disks into the server’s drives.

You may use image files in place of physical floppy disks and CD-ROM discs. To connect the virtual drive to a floppy or ISO image, use the Devices menu and edit the settings for the drive you want to change.

Be sure you have started the virtual machine and, if necessary, logged on.
Check the Devices tab in VMware Tools to be sure the virtual machine has access to the CD-ROM and floppy drives.
Insert the installation CD-ROM or floppy disk into the proper drive. If you are installing from a CD-ROM, the installation program may start automatically.
If the installation program does not start automatically, follow the procedures of your guest operating system to locate and initiate the installation procedure.
Follow the instructions on screen and in the user manual for your new software.