Streamlined File Sharing with VMware Workstation

For developers, IT admins, or enthusiasts working with virtual machines, VMware Workstation’s shared folders feature is a lifesaver, enabling effortless file transfers between host and guest operating systems. This capability transforms workflows, especially when paired with ava.hosting’s high-performance VPS or dedicated servers, which are optimized for virtualization. Imagine seamlessly sharing a folder of test scripts from your host to a guest OS on an ava.hosting server to debug a web app without cumbersome uploads. For example, a developer could share a Code directory to test an application in a Linux VM, while an admin might transfer configuration files to a Windows VM for quick setup. This guide walks you through configuring shared folders in VMware Workstation, ensuring secure and efficient file access tailored to your virtualization needs on ava.hosting’s robust platform.

Step 1: Power Off the Virtual Machine

Ensure the virtual machine (VM) is powered off to avoid configuration conflicts:

  • Open VMware Workstation.
  • Select the target VM.
  • Click Power Off if it’s running.

Step 2: Open Virtual Machine Settings

  • Select your VM in VMware Workstation.
  • Click Edit virtual machine settings.
  • Navigate to the Options tab and select Shared Folders.

Step 3: Enable Shared Folders

  • In the Folder Sharing section, choose Always enabled for persistent access or Enabled until next power off or suspend for temporary use.
  • Click Add to create a new shared folder.

Step 4: Select the Shared Folder Location

  • In the Add Shared Folder Wizard, click Next.
  • Click Browse to select a folder on your host machine (e.g., a Projects folder for development files).
  • Enter a name for the shared folder (e.g., TestScripts).
  • Check Enable this share.
  • Click Finish.

Step 5: Access the Shared Folder in the Guest OS

Start the VM and access the shared folder:

  • Windows Guest OS: Open File Explorer and navigate to \\vmware-host\Shared Folders. For example, access TestScripts to edit shared code files.
  • Linux Guest OS: Open a terminal and run:
    cd /mnt/hgfs/
ls

    This lists shared folders like TestScripts for quick access.

Example: On an ava.hosting VPS, share a Config folder to a Linux VM to test Apache settings without manual file transfers.

Step 6: Install VMware Tools (If Necessary)

Shared folders require VMware Tools in the guest OS:

  • Windows Guest OS:
    • Go to VM > Install VMware Tools.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions and restart the VM.
  • Linux Guest OS:
    • Run:
      sudo apt update && sudo apt install open-vm-tools open-vm-tools-desktop -y
    • Restart the VM to enable shared folder functionality.

Example: If you’re running a web server test on an ava.hosting-hosted Windows VM, installing VMware Tools ensures you can access a shared WebFiles folder seamlessly.

Conclusion

VMware Workstation’s shared folders feature revolutionizes file management for virtual environments, streamlining tasks for developers, admins, and hobbyists alike. Whether you’re transferring a database backup to a guest OS for testing or sharing documentation for real-time collaboration on an ava.hosting server, this feature saves time and effort. For instance, you might share a Backups folder to test a MySQL dump in a VM or a Docs folder to review server configurations instantly. By following these steps and harnessing ava.hosting’s virtualization-ready infrastructure, you can achieve secure, efficient, and high-performance file sharing, empowering your virtual machine workflows with ease and reliability.