Q. What's the workaround to VMware’s PCoIP problem in ESX 4.0 Update 2?

A. Installing ESX 4.0 Update 2 and then updating the VMware Tools inside virtual machines introduces a problem with PCoIP connections. Specifically, connections to virtual desktops over PCoIP fail, preventing virtual desktops from being accessed via PCoIP. This problem only affects environments that are using VMware View 4.0 and have upgraded to ESX 4.0 Update 2.

VMware is currently working on a fix, but there's a workaround that may work for your needs.

It's possible to install the VMware Tools that are part of ESX 4.0 Update 2 without the included SVGA driver. Doing so may preserve your connections while enabling you to upgrade now. To do this, first upgrade the VMware Tools package on the ESX host. Then, right-click a virtual machine and select Guest, Install/Upgrade VMware Tools. Ensure that the Automatic Tools Upgrade checkbox is selected. Then, enter the following command into Advanced Options, depending on the processor architecture of the virtual machine:

For x86 guests:

/s /v "/qn REINSTALLMODE=voums REINSTALL=WYSE,VMXNet,VMCI,Mouse,MemCtl,Hgfs,VSS,VMXNet3,vmdesched,ThinPrint,Sync,PVSCSI,Debug,BootCamp,Audio,Buslogic,VICFSDK,VAssertSDK,Toolbox,Upgrader,GuestSDK,PerfMon,Common,microsoft_dlls_x86,ArchSpecific"

For x64 guests:

/s /v "/qn REINSTALLMODE=voums REINSTALL=WYSE,VMXNet,VMCI,Mouse,MemCtl,Hgfs,VSS,VMXNet3,vmdesched,ThinPrint,Sync,PVSCSI,Debug,BootCamp,Audio,Buslogic,VICFSDK,VAssertSDK,Toolbox,Upgrader,GuestSDK,PerfMon,Common,microsoft_dlls_x64,ArchSpecific"

VMware’s knowledgebase article 1022830 suggests that using RDP instead of PCoIP can be another workaround.

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