Prevent Backup Errors Caused by VMware Tools

Do not install Vmware tools with the complete option on ESX guests to prevent possible problems with your backups.  This installs the shared folders feature which is not available on ESX.  This causes the VMware tools to keep a file (hgfs.dat) open and can cause backup errors.  To disable the shared folders feature, remove hgfs from the registry key ProviderOrder under KEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\NetworkProvider\Order\.  [more]

See http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1317 for more information.