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Using USB Devices in a Virtual Machine Using USB Devices in a Virtual Machine
The following sections describe how to use USB devices in a virtual machine:
  • Notes on USB Support
  • Adding a USB Controller
  • Connecting USB Devices
  • Using USB with a Windows Host
  • Replacing USB 2.0 Drivers on a Windows 2000 Host
  • Using USB with a Linux Host
  • Who Has Control over a USB Device?
  • Disconnecting USB Devices from a Virtual Machine
  • Human Interface Devices
  • VMware GSX Server provides a two-port USB 1.1 controller. You can use up to two USB devices in your virtual machine if both your host operating system and your guest operating system support USB. If your host computer supports USB 2.0 devices, you can use those devices in the virtual machine.
    Note: Linux kernels older than 2.2.17 do not support USB.
    Although your host operating system must support USB, you do not need to install device-specific drivers for your USB devices in the host operating system if you want to use those devices only in the virtual machine.
    On a Windows 2000 host computer with USB 2.0 support, be sure you are using the Microsoft USB 2.0 driver for the USB controller. Third-party USB 2.0 drivers, such as those provided by some motherboard manufacturers, are not supported. For notes on replacing the third-party drivers, see Replacing USB 2.0 Drivers on a Windows 2000 Host.


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