Understanding VMware KB 78708: How to Free Up Space on Your VMware Appliances
After a bit of digging, I found (free access, no login required for basic viewing).
If the installer still fails, ensure all service packs are current and you have installed the KB4490628 patch (Servicing stack update for Windows 7) along with KB4474419. Why You Need This Patch kbvmware s article 78708 free
VMware Knowledge Base Article 78708, now updated to 320066, outlines that installing VMware Tools 11.x or newer on older Windows systems requires manual installation of SHA-2 code signing support. Without applying Microsoft updates KB4474419 and KB4490628, the installation fails due to an inability to verify driver signatures. For the full, updated article, visit Broadcom Support Portal Broadcom TechDocs
If you cannot install Windows updates immediately, VMware KB 78708 suggests an alternative approach: Understanding VMware KB 78708: How to Free Up
Search Engines: Simply typing "VMware KB 78708" into a search engine will usually lead you directly to the hosted page.
Trigger one final to safely start all newly updated VMware kernel services and graphics drivers. Troubleshooting Lingering Errors VMware tools fail to install on Windows 7 Guest | Fusion attempt the VMware Tools installation again.
Today, while the specific error is less common in modern versions of vSphere, the number 78708 remains a nostalgic footnote for administrators who spent late nights restarting management agents to bring their virtual worlds back to life.
Knowledge Base (KB) article from VMware (now Broadcom) is a critical technical document addressing installation and upgrade failures of VMware Tools on legacy Windows operating systems. Broadcom Community Core Issue: SHA-2 Code Signing Requirements
Once the virtual machine has rebooted, attempt the VMware Tools installation again. It should now proceed without errors. Summary of Required Updates Update Patch KB4474419 SHA-2 Code Signing Support for Windows 7/2008 R2 KB4490628 Servicing Stack Update (SSU) to support SHA-2
The primary solution offered in KB 78708 is the execution of a automated cleanup script. This is much safer than manually deleting files via the command line.