Installing VMware Tools on Debian 6.0

I found that installing VMware Tools on pure Debian 6.0 installation generates some troubles.

After starting VMware Tools installation you may get error: path to gcc is not valid - even you've got gcc installed already.

After some tries - here is complete task list to install VMware tools.

Stuff used in this installation:

• Pure Debian 6.0.6 AMD64 installation (from image debian-6.0.6-amd64-netinst.iso)
• VMware ESXi 5.0.0 Build 469512 (free license)
• VMware Tools 8.6.0 Build 425874 (included in ESXi installation)

Preparations:

1. apt-get update
2. apt-get install linux-headers-`uname -r` make

VMware Tools installation:

Begin with inserting installation CD

Then..

1. mount /media/cdrom
2. cd /tmp
3. tar -zxf /media/cdrom/VMwareTools-8.6.0-425873.tar.gz
4. cd /tmp/vmware-tools-distrib
5. ./vmware-install.pl
6. Response with defaults by pressing [ENTER] to all question

Status of VMware Tools in vSphere Client will update to "Running" just after installation. No reboot required (or any service starting by you manually)!