How to install vSphere Client 5.0 on Windows 8

1. Extract the installation package for VMware-viclient-all-5.0.0-######.exe using 7-Zip.
2. Go to the “redist\dotnet” folder from the package you extracted and install dotnetfx35.exe.  If prompted, let it download and install additional files.
3. Go to the “redist\viresist” folder from the package you extracted and install vjredist64.exe for 64 bit Windows or vjredist32.exe for 32 bit Windows.
4. Go to the “bin” folder from the package you extracted and right click on VMware-viclient.exe and then “Properties”
5. Go to the “Compatibility” tab and select “Run this program in compatibility mode for:” and then select “Windows 7″ –  Click “Ok”
6. Now go ahead and install “VMware-viclient” normally.

If this doesn’t work for your, download the VSphere Client for 5.1 Update 2 which will install on Windows 8 natively.