PSA Diagnostics • VMware • Installation Guide
Install a PSA 9.68 to 9.200 Diagnostic Environment on VMware (Windows 64-bit)
This public tutorial explains how to install and launch a PSA diagnostic environment (9.x series) via VMware. It covers essential steps: PC prerequisites, file extraction, opening the .VMX file, VMware Tools settings, and most importantly, the correct USB connection of the interface to the virtual machine.
✅ Host compatibility: Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / 11 (64-bit) • Virtualization enabled required
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an official publication by the software vendor. Trademarks mentioned belong to their respective owners.
⚙️ Prerequisites (PC + virtualization)
- Host PC running Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / 11 (64-bit)
- Virtualization enabled (Intel VT-x or AMD-V)
- Complete extraction of the archive (do not run from the .zip)
- VMware Workstation Player installed (version depending on Windows)
Important: if virtualization is disabled, VMware will not be able to start the virtual machine.
🖥️ Recommended minimum configuration
- Dual Core processor with virtualization (i3/i5 recommended)
- RAM: 3 GB minimum (4 GB+ recommended)
- Storage: 20 GB available minimum
🗂️ Step 1 — Extract the archive correctly
After downloading your VMware archive, extract the entire contents to your computer using WinRAR or 7-Zip.
⚠️ Do not run files from the .zip archive: this will not work.
🧩 Step 2 — Install VMware Workstation Player
VMware Workstation Player allows you to launch the diagnostic virtual machine. The installation is similar between versions 15, 16, and 17.
During installation, check Enhanced Keyboard Driver (better keyboard management), then uncheck the check/feedback options if you want a more neutral environment. Complete the installation and restart the PC if prompted.
📁 Step 3 — Open the virtual machine (.VMX)
- Open VMware Workstation Player.
- Click on Open a Virtual Machine.
- In your extracted folder, select the .VMX file (e.g., VM_… .vmx).
On first launch, VMware may ask if you moved or copied the VM: choose I Moved It.
🛠️ Step 4 — Install / update VMware Tools
If VMware suggests installing VMware Tools, accept. This improves mouse, keyboard, display, and peripheral management.
🔌 Step 5 — Connect the USB interface to the virtual machine
This is the number 1 cause of detection problems: the interface must be connected to the VM (not the host PC).
- Connect the interface to the PC.
- When VMware displays the choice window, select Virtual Machine.
- You can check Remember my choice for future times.
Tip: If the interface does not appear in the VM, go to VMware: Player → Removable Devices, then connect the device to the VM.
Once the interface is recognized in the VM, you can launch the diagnostic application.
🧯 Quick troubleshooting
VMware displays a virtualization error
- Enable virtualization (Intel VT-x / AMD-V) in the BIOS/UEFI.
- Restart the PC after modification.
Useful guide: How to enable virtualization (VT-x / AMD-V)
Interface not detected in the VM
- Check that the USB is connected to the Virtual Machine (not the host PC).
- Change USB port (avoid hubs).
- Restart the VM then reconnect the interface.
Do you want to avoid incompatibilities (chipset, drivers, USB)?
For easier installation and support in case of blockage, a complete kit (interface + environment + assistance) can save time.
