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Oracle VirtualBox supports Windows 98/2000 via “Legacy” modes. The setup is more manual but runs well. It also supports OS/2 and BeOS. Plus, it’s completely free and actively maintained.
You can download the latest version (17.x) directly from the Broadcom Support Portal after creating a free account.
Thus, to run Workstation 5.5, you likely need a or an older Linux distribution. Ironically, many people run Workstation 5.5 inside a modern VMware Workstation 17 VM (nested virtualization) – a strange but functional solution.
Launch VMware Workstation 5.5. If you have a valid license key from the past, enter it. Otherwise, select “Use as evaluation” for a 30-day trial. After 30 days, the software will stop launching virtual machines unless you purchase a legacy license (impossible now) or reinstall.
A: The Tools ISO is included inside the Workstation 5.5 installation directory. After install, go to VM → Install VMware Tools.
The most reliable for abandonware (software no longer sold or supported by the vendor) is the Internet Archive . As of 2025, multiple copies of VMware Workstation 5.5 for Windows and Linux are preserved there.
Before you commit to a download, ensure you have an appropriate host machine.
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