Using USB devices through VMWare on a Linux Host

This document (3534169) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10

Situation

By Default, VMWare will NOT allow the user to attach to USB devices connected to the physical workstation when the host OS is SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 or SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 10.

Resolution

To allow access to USB devices attached to the workstation through VMWare, you need to modify the /etc/fstab file as root. Here's how.

1. Bring up a terminal window
2. Switch to the root user using this command: sux
3. Enter root's password when prompted
4. Bring up the fstab in an editor: gedit /etc/fstab
5. Locate this line:
usbfs /proc/bus/usb usbfs noauto 0 0
and change it to:
usbfs /proc/bus/usb usbfs autofs 0 0
6. Save the file by clicking the Save icon at the top of the screen.
7. Reboot the workstation

After the machine has been rebooted, the USB Device attached, and VMWare started, select VM | Removable Devices | USB Device, and select the device that needs to be attached to the VMWare session.

NOTE: The correct drivers and applications are still required on the guest OS running in VMWare to make the USB Device function properly.

Additional Information

The device used in testing for the above mentioned steps was a 2GB Apple iPod Nano.

Disclaimer

This Support Knowledgebase provides a valuable tool for SUSE customers and parties interested in our products and solutions to acquire information, ideas and learn from one another. Materials are provided for informational, personal or non-commercial use within your organization and are presented "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.