Trying to install VMware Tools for Windows on a Windows virtual machine running on Linux Mint 15 you might get the error below:
There was a problem updating a software component. Try again later and if the problem persists, contact VMware Support or your system administrator.
A process trace on vmplayer reveals what might be the obvious for some (access denied)...
$sudo strace -f -eopen -p `pidof vmplayer`
[...]
13783 open("/etc/vmware-installer/database", O_RDWR|O_CREAT, 0644) = -1 EACCES (Permission denied)
[...]
Run vmplayer elevated to be able to install VMware tools:
gksudo vmplayer &
A new strace shows success where it failed earlier running as a normal user:
$sudo strace -f -eopen -p `pidof vmplayer`
[...]
16026 open("/etc/vmware-installer/database", O_RDWR|O_CREAT, 0644) = 4
[...]