Ubuntu and Vmware workstation pro after installation of new kernel

[John Austin]

Try the gory details here.
https://github.com/mkubecek/vmware-host-modules/issues/306

Worked for me on F42, kernel 6.15.4-200.fc42.x86_64 & WS 17.6.3

Maybe these are relevant if you are talking kernel 6.16.x
https://github.com/mkubecek/vmware-host-modules/issues/306#issuecomment-3004879683
https://github.com/mkubecek/vmware-host-modules/issues/306#issuecomment-2916763651


On Thu, 2025-07-03 at 08:29 +0000, Paolo Meravigliao via Broadcom wrote:
> The commad I do after installation of new kernel are correct?
>
>
> dmesg output attached.
>
>
>
>
>
> Thanks
>
>
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[Paolo Meravigliao]

ivan@ivan-NUC10i7FNH:~$ sudo make -C vmmon-only
make: ingresso nella directory «/home/ivan»
make: *** vmmon-only: File o directory non esistente.  Arresto.
make: uscita dalla directory «/home/ivan»
ivan@ivan-NUC10i7FNH:~$ 

Doesen't work, I'm using kernel "Linux 6.14.0-22-generic".

[John Austin]

I have a very short script that does diff between a unmodified vmmon or vmnet and modified versions.
Last 6 lines of the file.

I created the modified versions using the changes shown on
https://github.com/mkubecek/vmware-host-modules/issues/306
(by hand - not using patch)
hence I have my own patch files.

The rest of the script is comments to help me try to understand what is going on.
The comments can be cut & pasted into a terminal and run.

A large section is concerned with untarring, applying the patches, tarring and compiling - it might
help.

The line that does all the work is
vmware-modconfig --console --install-all


On Thu, 2025-07-03 at 12:03 +0000, Paolo Meravigliao via Broadcom wrote:
> ivan@ivan-NUC10i7FNH:~$ sudo make -C vmmon-only
> make: ingresso nella directory «/home/ivan»
> make: *** vmmon-only: File o directory non esistente.  Arresto.
> make: uscita dalla directory «/home/ivan»
> ivan@ivan-NUC10i7FNH:~$
>
>
> Doesen't work, I'm using kernel "Linux 6.14.0-22-generic".
>
>
>
> -------------------------------------------
> Original Message:
> Sent: Jul 03, 2025 06:24 AM
> From: John Austin
> Subject: Ubuntu and Vmware workstation pro after installation of new kernel
>
> Try the gory details here.
> https://github.com/mkubecek/vmware-host-modules/issues/306 <
> https://github.com/mkubecek/vmware-host-modules/issues/306>
>
> Worked for me on F42, kernel 6.15.4-200.fc42.x86_64 & WS 17.6.3
>
> Maybe these are relevant if you are talking kernel 6.16.x
> https://github.com/mkubecek/vmware-host-modules/issues/306#issuecomment-3004879683 <
> https://github.com/mkubecek/vmware-host-modules/issues/306#issuecomment-3004879683>
> https://github.com/mkubecek/vmware-host-modules/issues/306#issuecomment-2916763651 <
> https://github.com/mkubecek/vmware-host-modules/issues/306#issuecomment-2916763651>
>
>
> On Thu, 2025-07-03 at 08:29 +0000, Paolo Meravigliao via Broadcom wrote:
> > The commad I do after installation of new kernel are correct?
> >
> >
> > dmesg output attached.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> >
> > You are subscribed to "VMware Workstation" as [e-mail] 

[John Austin]

I'm pretty sure no patches were required for Fedora 41/42 with
kernel 6.14.x & WS 17.6.3

kernel 6.15.x certainly needs the patches
ja@meon ~ 1$ uname -r
6.15.4-200.fc42.x86_64

Fedora version of 6.16.x yet to come


On Thu, 2025-07-03 at 13:59 +0000, John Austin via Broadcom wrote:
> I have a very short script that does diff between a unmodified vmmon or vmnet and modified versions.
> Last 6 lines of the file.
>
> I created the modified versions using the changes shown on
> https://github.com/mkubecek/vmware-host-modules/issues/306
> (by hand - not using patch)
> hence I have my own patch files.
>
> The rest of the script is comments to help me try to understand what is going on.
> The comments can be cut & pasted into a terminal and run.
>
> A large section is concerned with untarring, applying the patches, tarring and compiling - it might
> help.
>
> The line that does all the work is
> vmware-modconfig --console --install-all
>
>
> On Thu, 2025-07-03 at 12:03 +0000, Paolo Meravigliao via Broadcom wrote:
> > ivan@ivan-NUC10i7FNH:~$ sudo make -C vmmon-only
> > make: ingresso nella directory «/home/ivan»
> > make: *** vmmon-only: File o directory non esistente.  Arresto.
> > make: uscita dalla directory «/home/ivan»
> > ivan@ivan-NUC10i7FNH:~$
> >
> >
> > Doesen't work, I'm using kernel "Linux 6.14.0-22-generic".
> >
> >
> >
> > -------------------------------------------
> > Original Message:
> > Sent: Jul 03, 2025 06:24 AM
> > From: John Austin
> > Subject: Ubuntu and Vmware workstation pro after installation of new kernel
> >
> > Try the gory details here.
> > https://github.com/mkubecek/vmware-host-modules/issues/306 <
> > https://github.com/mkubecek/vmware-host-modules/issues/306>
> >
> > Worked for me on F42, kernel 6.15.4-200.fc42.x86_64 & WS 17.6.3
> >
> > Maybe these are relevant if you are talking kernel 6.16.x
> > https://github.com/mkubecek/vmware-host-modules/issues/306#issuecomment-3004879683 <
> > https://github.com/mkubecek/vmware-host-modules/issues/306#issuecomment-3004879683>
> > https://github.com/mkubecek/vmware-host-modules/issues/306#issuecomment-2916763651 <
> > https://github.com/mkubecek/vmware-host-modules/issues/306#issuecomment-2916763651>
> >
> >
> > On Thu, 2025-07-03 at 08:29 +0000, Paolo Meravigliao via Broadcom wrote:
> > > The commad I do after installation of new kernel are correct?
> > >
> > >
> > > dmesg output attached.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Thanks
> > >
> > >
> > > You are subscribed to "VMware Workstation" as [e-mail] 
>
>
> Reply to Sender :
> https://community.broadcom.com/eGroups/PostReply/?GroupId=7171&MID=4381816&SenderKey=555e8c66-e95e-42fa-9d37-018faae3c7f3
>
> Reply to Discussion : https://community.broadcom.com/eGroups/PostReply/?GroupId=7171&MID=4381816
>
>
>
> You are subscribed to "VMware Workstation" as [e-mail]. To change your subscriptions, go to
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> discussion, go to
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> .
>
> Copyright © 2005-2023 Broadcom. All Rights Reserved. The term "Broadcom" refers to Broadcom Inc.
> and/or its subsidiaries.
>
> Hosted by Higher Logic, LLC on the behalf of Broadcom
> https://www.broadcom.com/company/legal/privacy-policy | https://www.higherlogic.com/legal/privacy |
> https://www.broadcom.com/company/citizenship/governance-and-ethics#supply |
> https://www.broadcom.com/termsandconditions

[Paolo Meravigliao]

Hi thanks for your reply. I have attacched my system config.

I'm not an expert with compiling.

Can you tell me how to do?

Thanks

[Paolo Meravigliao]

Just this morning there was some updates in Ubuntu, also kernel. I do all the updates and of course Vmware doesn't work anymore. Attacched the new config and the steps I do after launching Vmware.

Hope this help to solve the issue.

I have not given the following commands yet. I await your suggestions:

openssl req -new -x509 -newkey rsa:2048 -keyout MOK.priv -outform DER -out MOK.der -nodes -days 36500 -subj "/CN=My Name/"
sudo /usr/src/linux-headers-$(uname -r)/scripts/sign-file sha256 ./MOK.priv ./MOK.der $(modinfo -n vmmon)
sudo /usr/src/linux-headers-$(uname -r)/scripts/sign-file sha256 ./MOK.priv ./MOK.der $(modinfo -n vmnet)
sudo mokutil --import MOK.der ---"insert a password"
now reboot and re-enroll your key.

Thanks

[John Austin]

Hi

I attach my very simple diff script only the last 6 lines do anything.

The rest is a list of commands that are intended to remind me what to

do next time.

Also attached are "MY" diff files which should be the same/or close

to those posted elsewhere.

Hope it helps

Attachment(s)

ja_diff.txt   3 KB 1 version

ja_diff_vmmon.txt   1 KB 1 version

ja_diff_vmnet.txt   1 KB 1 version

[Paolo Meravigliao]

Hi,

I have to execute those command?

#As root - Compile and install the kernel modules
su -
vmware-modconfig --console --install-all
END_COMMENT2
#-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
cd $1
list=`find * -type f |  grep -E -e '.[ch]$|Makefile'`

for j in $list
do
diff -u $j $2/$j
done

[John Austin]

Hello

The very first thing is to be certain that we are talking about the same kernel & WS version.

 Earlier in the post you say "I'm using kernel "Linux 6.14.0-22-generic""

What does uname -r say?

My machine gives

ja@meon ~ 1$ uname -r                                                                                                                            
6.15.4-200.fc42.x86_64

Workstation shows

Version: 17.6.3 build-24583834

The patches I am talking about are for patching WS 17.6.3 "modules"  vmmon & vmnet such that they compile with kernel 6.15.x

[Paolo Meravigliao]

Hi

ivan@ivan-NUC10i7FNH:~$ uname -r
6.14.0-23-generic

VMware® Workstation 17 Pro
Version: 17.6.3 build-24583834

Just to clarify my doubt, the command I do after installation of new kernel are correct?

Thanks

Ivan

[John Austin]

Hi

The patches being discussed are for kernel 6.15.x and not 6.14.x

I do not believe that any patches are need for 6.14.x and WS 17.6.3

You do need the kernel-devel package that matches the running kernel.
I have

kernel-6.15.4-200.fc42.x86_64
kernel-devel-6.15.4-200.fc42.x86_64

If I am correct then if you just run "vmware" in a root terminal

WS will compile and install the modules automatically if required.

This should do the same thing

su -
vmware-modconfig --console --install-all

[Technogeezer]

That's correct. No patches are needed to the kernel modules for WS 17.6.3 and kernel 6.14.

------------------------------
- Paul (technogeezer)
vExpert 2025
------------------------------

[Samuel Goncalves]

It didn't work for me, using Ubuntu kernel 6.14.0-24-generic, VMware Workstation 17.6.3 build-24583834,

even using the command vmware-modconfig --console --install-allI get this:

...

Starting VMware services:
   Virtual machine monitor                                            failed
   Virtual machine communication interface                             done
   VM communication interface socket family                            done
   Virtual ethernet                                                   failed
   VMware Authentication Daemon                                        done
Unable to start services

[Technogeezer]

I'm assuming that the kernel module compilation succeeded, but the module loading is what's failing

Are you running a kernel that requires signed kernel modules? if so, did you sign the newly compiled kernel modules (see https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/315309/cannot-open-devvmmon-no-such-file-or-dir.html )

------------------------------
- Paul (technogeezer)
vExpert 2025
------------------------------

[Paolo Meravigliao]

>> If I am correct then if you just run "vmware" in a root terminal

Now with the installation of new kernel the network work. Probably something went wrongwith the previous installation or maybe after the installation of new kernel I have to launch "sudo vmware" instead run int by the icon.

simple things no eh :-)))

Thanks a lot

[John Austin]

Glad it is now working.

When Ubuntu updates to 6.15.x you will need your new found

expertise - unless VMware get there first!

[goldeneye_007]

It's handy to know how to compile vmmon vmnet regardless. Sometimes you want to stay on an older version of workstation and compiling for them is a regular need. VMware/Broadcom is never going to be up with the latest kernel updates. VMware as a standalone company wasn't either. You either passed on kernel updates or learned how to compile. Hopefully someone was posting any required changes to build them. I got myself into some sticky scenarios in the early days when the installers were not as good.

[Hyphaed]

for kernel 6.17 the patches on this repository will build the modules: https://github.com/Hyphaed/vmware-vmmon-vmnet-linux-6.17.x

-------------------------------------------

[Steven_Hirsch]

I cloned the Git repository that Hyphaed suggested.  The patch files do not seem to be present in the 'patches' subdirectory.  If that's expected will the poster please provide the steps required in order to use it?  Thanks.

[Hyphaed]

thanks for the feedback, check now :: I've missed a push, I've just updated the repository

-------------------------------------------

[Hyphaed]

Steven if you find anything else you can post directly on the github project issues section

https://github.com/Hyphaed/vmware-vmmon-vmnet-linux-6.17.x/

I already made 3 changes and a user verified it wroks for him also on kernel 6.16 

it's my way to give back to the opensource community I myself embrace, broadcom is not paying me for this work nowadays

yet I can tell you I use vmware everyday, and those patches are running in my workstation also

In the future I could push more patches for future kernels (6.18.x, ...) if happens again same situation that had been happening for years (broadcom not releasing modules for the latest stable kernel as soon as the kernel releases...) :: since I myself need vmware and I'm not up to get stuck with LTS versions of the operating system and old kernels

-------------------------------------------

[raffaele bassetti]

hello, congrats for great work hyphaed. however i get an error on ubuntu 25.10 kernel 6.17 :

[i] Selected: Kernel 6.17.x
[✓] Configuration: Compiling for kernel 6.17
[✓] 1. Verifying system...
[i] Detected kernel: 6.17.0-5-generic
[i] Version: 6.17
[i] Distribution: Debian/Ubuntu
[i] Kernel compiler: buildd@lcy02-amd64-035
[i] Kernel compiled with GCC - using GNU toolchain
[✓] ✓ VMware detected
[i] Currently loaded VMware modules:
[✓] ✓ System verification completed
[✓] 2. Verifying dependencies...
[✓] ✓ Kernel headers found
[i] Verifying build tools...
[✓] ✓ Build tools verified
[✓] 3. Preparing working directory...
[i] Working directory: /tmp/vmware_build_4047
[✓] ✓ Directory prepared
[✓] 4. Extracting original VMware modules...
[i] Creating backup of current modules...
[i] Backup saved to: /usr/lib/vmware/modules/source/backup-20251010-201402
[i] Extracting vmmon.tar...
[i] Extracting vmnet.tar...
[✗] Error extracting modules

-------------------------------------------

[Hyphaed]

Seems as if the script had problems while extracting the original VMWare modules vmmon and vmnet already in your system installed by your vmware installation. The script neesd these files to apply patches and recompile the modules.

Yet, maybe you need to uninstall and reinstall vmware, if you had been trying other patches around internet there is always the possibility your modules are broken. 

*I've released a new version, yet this wouldn't solve your issue if the modules are broken, yet you should get more debug info about the error when running new version.

-------------------------------------------

[raffaele bassetti]

i tried as you said with clean installation of vmware ws and IT WORKS!!!

KERNEL 6.17

you are a CHAMPION!!!!!

-------------------------------------------

[Ron Pooper]

Worked for me. Thanks so much. I didn't realize VMware support was so bad.

-------------------------------------------