VMware-Forum

Basically we follow a standard UNIX programming procedure where we create files in /tmp, and then unlink them immediately, but we don't close them until we exit the program. We use these files, but by having them unlinked, they won't be accidentally deleted or accessed. We do honor a couple of variables, that you can set in certain places, to dictate where we will put these temporary files. Below are the settings and the order of precedence:

1. First, in your home directory, check the .vmware/config configuration file to see if a specific directory is specified:

tmpDirectory = <location>

2. Next you can set a global variable where all virtual machines store their temporary files:

TMPDIR = <location>

3. Finally, if neither of these are set, GSX Server uses the /tmp directory.

This gives you three options for storing temporary files. The directory where GSX Server stores its files _HAS_ to be on a local drive. There is just no way to protect the data over the wire and performance will be slower if you use a network drive. Also, you should ensure about 1.5 times the size of the Memory allocated for the virtual machine in space to accomodate the Memory Map and GSX Server's needed temporary space.

Again the order of preference is:

1. Configuration file .vmware/config variable: tmpDirectory = <location>
2. Global environment variable:TMPDIR = <location>
3. Temporary directory: /tmp