vmware HOST USB devices disabled --fix here

Hi all
Here's a link if you get problems with connecting USB devices to VM's created by vmware workstation or player

It usually says when you power on the VM that the HOST USB devices are disabled

This is due to the vmware usb arbitration service not running.

Symptoms

• Powering on a virtual machine after connecting a USB device fails with the error:
  Error 31: A device attached to the system is not functioning.
• Manually starting the USB Arbitration Service fails with the error:
  VMware USB Arbitration Service can't be started because of an unknown driver - <drivername>
• When starting Workstation or Player, you see this message:
  Host USB device connections disabled. The connection to the VMware USB arbitration service was unsuccessful. Please check the status of this service in the Microsoft Management Console.
• Windows event logs may show the following messages:
  Event ID 7023: The VMware USB arbitration service terminated with the following error: A device attached to the system is not functioning.

If you try and start it on the HOST machine (it's a service) you will generally get an error 31 host device not starting or similar messages.

You need a fix to disable the USB filtering (AMD Processors)

To resolve the issue:

1. Ensure that your host computer is using the original, Microsoft USB drivers:
   1. Right-click (My) Computer and select Manage.
   2. In the left pane of the Computer Management window, select Device Manager.
   3. Expand Universal Serial Bus Controllers.
   4. Right-click USB Root Hub and select Properties.
   5. In the Driver tab, click Roll Back Driver.
2. Confirm that you are not using any conflicitng USB services such as monitors (sniffers) on your host. For more information, see Configuring Windows Hosts for Use with USB Monitors (Sniffers) (1679).
3. If you have an AMD processor, there may be a conflicting USB controller. VMware recommends removing the AMD USB Filter Driver from the Windows Device Manager:
   
   Warning: This can cause other USB devices to fail. Be sure to make a System Restore point before attempting this step. Alternatively, rather than trying a system restore, you can restore the USB controller you deleted in this step by clicking Scan for New Hardware in Device Manager. For more information

You can the registry fix at at this link (Also valid for VMWARE WORKSTATION).

VMWare Player Error

Nearly every other solution such as reinstall, reinstall MS USB drivers etc usually fail.

This one WORKS.

Cheers
jimbo

Or stop Vmware USB Arbitration Service.

demox said:

Or stop Vmware USB Arbitration Service.

Hi there
I think the original post is quite old

Vmware workstation 9 is now current (as well as a new version - or 2 at least since that post) of vmware player.

Problem doesn't occur any more these days.

Cheers
jimbo

jimbo45 said:

demox said:

Or stop Vmware USB Arbitration Service.

Hi there
I think the original post is quite old

Vmware workstation 9 is now current (as well as a new version - or 2 at least since that post) of vmware player.

Problem doesn't occur any more these days.

Cheers
jimbo

Hello Jimbo
I saw it was an old post problem seems to still be a problem. I run vmware workstation and I have the problem.

jimbo45 said:

demox said:

Or stop Vmware USB Arbitration Service.

Hi there
I think the original post is quite old

Vmware workstation 9 is now current (as well as a new version - or 2 at least since that post) of vmware player.

Problem doesn't occur any more these days.

Cheers
jimbo

Hello Jimbo
I saw it was an old post :)
Problem seems to still be a problem. I run vmware workstation 9 and I have the problem.

Hi there
running fine with VMware workstation rel 9 and W2K3 server VM + XP PRO sp3 VM -- USB3 devices all recognized by VM when attached (disconnect from Host).

Laptop is an ACER machine -- fine.

Cheers
jimbo