Restrict VMware Virtual Machines from Getting Copied or Moved

With the help of VMware workstation ACE feature administrators can make a read only copy of any virtual machine that they want. In other words administrators can restrict move or copy access to the virtual machines hence preventing them from any theft. Preventing moving and/or copying of virtual machines also ensures that virtual machines will be fixed on a particular physical computer and cannot be mounted on any other VMware player or VMware workstation installed on any other physical machine. This further ensures that virtual machines with this security configuration can never be misused by any person or team with destructive attitude. By default every virtual machine that is created with VMware workstation is allowed to be copied by any person with appropriate privileges. However as an administrator if you want to restrict move or copy access you need to follow the steps given below:

1. Open VMware workstation console window and in the left Sidebar click on the virtual machine on which you want to enable move or copy restriction.

2. Ensure that ACE feature is enabled and from the available list click on Edit Policies link.

3. On Policies page click on Copy Protection from the left pane and from the right pane choose Do not allow moving or copying of the instance files radio button to restrict move or copy access.

   

4. Finally click on Ok button to accept and confirm your settings.