HOW-TO: Restart VMWare Server Without Restarting Host

Overview
There are occasions when the VMWare Server 1.0.n services need to be restarted to:

• Release a virtual machine that is hung and cannot be shutdown via the console
• Resolve an issue where the settings cannot be modified for a virtual machine

Applies To

• Windows installation of VMWare Server 1.0.n

Before Initiating The Procedure

• Shutdown and power off all running virtual machines (if applicable)
• Create a batch file called RestartVMWareServer.bat (see below)
  
  NOTE: This information is provided as-is with no warranties, no claims, etc. Use at your own risk.

[RestartVMWareServer.bat]
REM STOP ALL VMWARE SERVICES FOR VMWARE SERVER 1.0.n
net stop vmount2
net stop vmserverdWin32
net stop "VMware NAT Service"
net stop VMnetDHCP
net stop VMAuthdService
net stop vmparport
net stop vmnetadapter
net stop VMnetBridge
net stop VMnetuserif
net stop vmx86
net stop vds

REM STOP ALL VMWARE SERVICES FOR VMWARE SERVER 1.0.n
net start vds
net start vmx86
net start VMnetuserif
net start VMnetBridge
net start vmnetadapter
net start vmparport
net start VMAuthdService
net start VMnetDHCP
net start "VMware NAT Service"
net start vmserverdWin32
net start vmount2

REM Review services to ensure that all were started successfully
PAUSE

Using the Script

1. Double-click on the RestartVMWareServer.bat file
2. After it completes – you will be given an opportunity to see if all services stopped and started successfully
3. Hit any key to close the command window
   

If All Else Fails
If after doing these things do not work for you – then you may need to restart your host server.