Using a Configuration File Hierarchy

Configuration files can be used in a hierarchy, so that default settings can be set for a host, for example, and more specific settings used for individual instances of a VM. This hierarchy is summarized here.

 

File Name

Notes

filename or
guest_os.cfg (if created by the Configuration Wizard)

Highest precedence. A configuration file created in a directory reserved for the corresponding VM.

$HOME/.vmware/config

A user default configuration file in your home directory.

/etc/vmware/config

Lowest precedence. A host default configuration file.

You can use either configuration tool to create these files. The VM configuration wizard will not let you save a partial configuration, and it always uses a default name of guest_os.cfg. However, you can copy, rename, and modify files that you create using the wizard.