If you are trying to install or upgrade on a Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 guest operating system and encountering errors like "Setup failed to install driver automatically," you are likely running into the issue documented in VMware KB 78708 .
If you've been staring at a failed backup job for your vCenter Server Appliance (VCSA), you aren't alone. One of the most frustrating errors occurs when the backup mechanism fails due to snapshot limitations or stale snapshot references.
References
: For VMware Tools 12.2.0 and later, you also need the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable installed in the guest OS.
Modern versions of VMware Tools (version 11.1.0 and newer) comply with this standard, meaning all drivers packaged within the installer are signed using SHA-2. Legacy operating systems lack the native ability to verify SHA-2 signatures out of the box. These systems include: Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 Windows Server 2008 SP2 kbvmware s article 78708 free
Search for . Select the architecture matching your guest VM (e.g., 2019-09 Security Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems ). Download the .msu file.
: Run the script with Python. It will scan the common directories for "safe to delete" files, such as old logs and temporary update files. If you are trying to install or upgrade
: This is the primary update that introduces SHA-2 code signing support. It is available for free via the Microsoft Update Catalog .
Starting , Microsoft transitioned exclusively to the SHA-2 code-signing algorithm for all software updates and drivers. Because modern versions of VMware Tools are compiled and signed strictly using SHA-2, legacy Windows guest operating systems that lack built-in SHA-2 support cannot read or authenticate these new digital signatures. Consequently, Windows blocks the VMware driver installation as a security precaution, triggering an upgrade failure. The Solution Provided by KB 78708 References : For VMware Tools 12
Administrators usually encounter one or more of the following indicators when running into the KB 78708 issue:
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