Compatibility issues with VMware Tools vShield driver

Technical Articles ID: KB79260
Last Modified: 6/9/2021

Environment

McAfee Agent (MA) 5.x
McAfee Endpoint Security (ENS) 10.x
McAfee VirusScan Enterprise (VSE) 8.8

VMware Tools from ESX

Summary

VMware Tools ships with a vShield endpoint filter driver. This driver is automatically loaded when VMware Tools is installed using the Full option. This vShield driver provides functions similar to a virus scanner and is used, for example, when you work with MOVE AV Agentless.

Problem

Any of the following can occur:

The removal of Microsoft Office can fail on Windows virtual systems.
After installation of VSE on a virtual image, the Windows Task Manager can randomly show multiple instances of scan64.exe.
A system hangs or a deadlock occurs during install or upgrade of McAfee software, because of interoperability issues with vsepflt.sys.

Cause

The kernel driver from vShield can cause a deadlock on files, because a McAfee service is waiting for VMware vsepflt.sys to complete a task, which the McAfee software blocks.

Solution

When a local virus scanner such as ENS or VSE is installed, you do not need the VMware vShield driver installed. This driver must be removed from the virtualized system.

For instructions to remove the VMware vShield driver, see the relevant VMware vShield installation guide or contact VMware Technical Support.

Affected Products

Endpoint Security Firewall 10.7.x
Endpoint Security Firewall 10.6.x
Endpoint Security Threat Prevention 10.7.x
Endpoint Security Threat Prevention 10.6.x
Endpoint Security Web Control 10.7.x
Endpoint Security Web Control 10.6.x
Install/Uninstall
Known Issue/Product Defect
McAfee Agent 5.7.x
McAfee Agent 5.6.x
Upgrade/Migrate
VirusScan Enterprise 8.8 (EOL)

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Knowledge Center

Compatibility issues with VMware Tools vShield driver

Environment

Summary

Problem

Cause

Solution

Affected Products

Languages:

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Title

Knowledge Center

Compatibility issues with VMware Tools vShield driver

Environment

Summary

Problem

Cause

Solution

Affected Products

Languages:

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Title

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