How to Completely Remove VMware from Your Linux System: A Definitive Guide
So, you’ve decided to part ways with VMware on your Linux machine? Maybe you’re switching virtualization platforms, freeing up resources, or simply cleaning house. Whatever the reason, removing VMware completely requires a systematic approach. The process isn’t as simple as deleting a few folders; you need to uninstall the application, remove configuration files, and undo any kernel module integrations. Don’t worry, though. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to ensure a clean and complete removal. We’ll explore both the standard uninstall procedure and some more advanced techniques to address any lingering components. Let’s dive in!
The Standard Uninstall Procedure: Your First Line of Defense
This is the method recommended by VMware and should be your starting point. It leverages the built-in uninstall tools provided with the VMware product you’re removing. For VMware Workstation or Player, the procedure is very similar, as they share common components.
Step 1: Close All VMware Applications
Before you start, ensure that no VMware virtual machines are running, and all related applications like VMware Workstation or Player are completely closed. This prevents file locking issues during the uninstallation process. A simple check using the ps command or a system monitor will confirm that no VMware processes are active.
Step 2: Use the VMware Uninstaller
VMware typically installs an uninstaller script in the installation directory. This script is your primary tool for removing the software.
Locate the uninstaller: This script is typically located in the
/usr/lib/vmware/directory. The exact name may vary depending on the product (e.g.,uninstall.shor a similar name specific to the VMware product you have installed).Run the uninstaller: Open a terminal and navigate to the VMware installation directory. Then, execute the uninstaller script with root privileges. This is usually done using
sudo:```bash cd /usr/lib/vmware/ sudo ./uninstall.sh ```Follow the prompts: The uninstaller will guide you through the removal process. It may ask you to confirm the uninstallation and select which components to remove. Accept the defaults unless you have specific reasons to customize the process.
Step 3: Reboot Your System
After the uninstaller completes, it’s crucial to reboot your system. This ensures that any remaining kernel modules or system services are properly unloaded. A reboot allows the system to clean up temporary files and fully integrate the changes made by the uninstaller.
Beyond the Basics: Cleaning Up Remaining Files and Modules
Sometimes, the standard uninstaller doesn’t remove everything. Here’s how to hunt down and eliminate any lingering VMware traces.
Step 1: Remove Configuration Files
VMware stores configuration files in various locations. You’ll need to manually delete these.
Home Directory: Check your home directory for VMware-related folders or files. Look for directories like
.vmwareor.vmware-player. Delete these directories.```bash rm -rf ~/.vmware ~/.vmware-player ```System-Wide Configuration: Check the
/etc/vmware/directory for global configuration files. If this directory exists and is empty after running the uninstaller, it is generally safe to remove it. Exercise caution when deleting anything under/etc!```bash sudo rm -rf /etc/vmware/ ```
Step 2: Unload Kernel Modules
VMware often installs kernel modules to enhance its functionality. These modules need to be unloaded manually if the uninstaller fails to do so.
List VMware Modules: Use the
lsmodcommand to list all loaded kernel modules. Filter the output to find VMware-related modules.```bash lsmod | grep vmware ```Unload Modules: Use the
rmmodcommand to unload each VMware module. You’ll need root privileges to do this.```bash sudo rmmod vmnet sudo rmmod vmmon # Add other vmware modules identified in the previous step ```Update Module Configuration (if necessary): If the modules persist across reboots, you may need to update your module configuration to prevent them from loading automatically. The method for doing this varies depending on your distribution. On Debian/Ubuntu systems, you can modify the
/etc/modulesfile or use themodprobe.ddirectory.```bash # Example for Debian/Ubuntu: echo "blacklist vmnet" | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-vmware.conf echo "blacklist vmmon" | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-vmware.conf ```
Step 3: Check for Lingering Services
VMware may install system services that continue to run even after the uninstallation.
List Services: Use
systemctlor your distribution’s service management tool to list all services. Look for VMware-related services.```bash sudo systemctl list-units --type=service | grep vmware ```Stop and Disable Services: If you find any VMware services, stop and disable them.
```bash sudo systemctl stop vmware-usbarbitrator.service sudo systemctl disable vmware-usbarbitrator.service # Replace vmware-usbarbitrator.service with the actual service names. ```
Step 4: Update Grub (if necessary)
In rare cases, VMware might modify the GRUB bootloader. If you suspect this, examine your GRUB configuration. Usually, this isn’t a concern, but it’s worth checking if you experience boot issues after removing VMware.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions
Even with careful execution of the steps above, problems can arise. Here’s how to tackle some common issues:
Uninstaller Fails to Run: Ensure you have the necessary permissions to execute the uninstaller script. Also, check that the script is not corrupted.
Kernel Modules Won’t Unload: Make sure no VMware applications or virtual machines are running. If the modules are still in use, the
rmmodcommand will fail. Force unloading modules can be dangerous, so avoid that if possible.Error Messages During Removal: Carefully read the error messages. They often provide clues about the cause of the problem and how to fix it. Consult VMware’s documentation or online forums for specific error codes.
VMware Still Appears in Application Menus: This usually indicates that desktop entries haven’t been removed. Check the
/usr/share/applications/and~/.local/share/applications/directories for VMware desktop files and delete them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I just delete the VMware installation directory?
Absolutely not! Deleting the installation directory without using the uninstaller will leave behind configuration files, kernel modules, and system services. This can lead to instability and other issues. Always use the official uninstaller first.
2. What’s the difference between VMware Workstation and VMware Player? Does it affect the removal process?
VMware Workstation is a more feature-rich virtualization platform, while VMware Player is a free, lightweight version. The core removal process is similar, but Workstation might have additional components or services that need to be addressed. Pay close attention to the specific product you’re uninstalling.
3. How do I know if the VMware kernel modules are still loaded?
Use the lsmod | grep vmware command. If the command returns any output, it means the kernel modules are still loaded.
4. What if I can’t find the uninstaller script?
If you can’t find the uninstaller script, try reinstalling VMware using the same installation package you used previously. This should recreate the uninstaller script, allowing you to then uninstall the software properly.
5. Is it safe to delete everything under /etc/vmware/?
Be extremely cautious! Only delete /etc/vmware/ if it exists and appears to be empty after running the uninstaller. Deleting other files or directories under /etc can severely damage your system.
6. Will removing VMware affect my virtual machines?
No, removing VMware will not delete your virtual machine files (the .vmdk files). However, you will no longer be able to run those VMs using VMware. You can import those files into other virtualization platforms such as VirtualBox.
7. I’m using a very old version of VMware. Will this guide still work?
The general principles of this guide apply to most versions of VMware. However, the specific file locations and commands may vary. Refer to the documentation for your specific version of VMware for more precise instructions.
8. I’m dual-booting Linux and Windows. Does the removal process affect my Windows installation?
No. Removing VMware from your Linux partition will not affect your Windows installation or any virtual machines that may be hosted on that Windows installation.
9. How can I completely reset my network configuration after removing VMware?
VMware can modify your network configuration, especially if you used bridged networking. After removing VMware, check your network settings and manually revert any changes that VMware might have made. This might involve editing network configuration files or using your distribution’s network manager.
10. Can I use a script to automate the removal process?
Yes, you can create a script to automate the removal process. However, be very careful when writing such a script, as incorrect commands can damage your system. Test the script thoroughly in a virtual machine before running it on your primary system.
11. I keep getting “device or resource busy” errors when trying to unload kernel modules. What should I do?
This usually means that a process is still using the kernel module. Ensure that all VMware applications and virtual machines are completely closed. You might also try identifying the process using the lsof command and then terminating it.
12. After removing VMware, my system seems slower. What could be the cause?
This is unlikely, but could happen if VMware modified your system configuration in a way that impacts performance. Check your startup applications, system services, and network configuration for any unnecessary components. Ensure your system is using the correct graphics drivers.
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