VMWare Player. Failed to lock the file error. ( error loading VMware system )

While testing Windows Server 2012 in our IT test lab – we shut down a virtual machine forcefully using VMware Player.

After we shut the Virtual Machine down, we tried to start it up again – which we received the following error message: “VMware player cannot open disk … Failed to lock the file” error message.

We checked the directory where the Virtual Machine was stored and noticed, along with the VMX and VMDK files, there were several LCK files – these are lock files used by VMware to lock the virtual disks.

We removed each of the folders ( each containing one 1kb LCK file ) and started the Virtual Machine again – this time the Virtual Machine loaded up fine.

If you’re experiencing issues with your VMware or Virtual Environment and the above does not resolve your issue – feel free to contact us now on 01 485 2222.