Q: VMware Fusion error after moving the VM - "A needed file was not found"

After moving a virtual machine on the Macintosh, when you try to open the VM from the new location you may receive the following error:

Answer

This error is caused by VMware Fusion caching some information about the virtual machine and associated files when it loads the virtual machine into its Virtual Machine Library.

To fix the problem:

1. Click OK to close the error message.
2. Close the Virtual Machine.
   • Click the red dot in upper left hand corner or execute the keyboard shortcut Command+W
3. Follow the menu path Window >> Virtual Machine Library to open the Virtual Machine Library.
4. Right-click on the thumbnail image for the VM or hold down the Ctr key while clicking on the thumbnail image for the VM.
   Result: A drop-down menu appears.
5. Select Delete
   Result: Remove Virtual Machine dialog box appears, with options to Cancel, Move to Track or Keep File.
6. Choose Keep File.

   This will only remove the virtual machine from the Library, it will not delete the files associated with it.

7. Relaunch the virtual machine. It should load as expected.

Note: If this does not resolve your issue, you may have a permissions issue. Contact the Help Desk for further assistance.