Is there a way to use perl script to reboot vmware workstation clients automatically from the host?

jerrydeep has asked for the wisdom of the Perl Monks concerning the following question:

Hi all, I will be glad if anybody can help me with the task below. I am very new in perl and would like to know more. The task:I want to use a perl script from a vmworkstation 7 host to reboot three VM client machines automatically

I need the script to write a log to the C drive if the reboot fails, and also wants a screenshot to be taken at the point of failure. The VM host and clients are all running windows 7. Is this possible using perl? I have googled a lot trying to find a way, but no success. Could you please help? Many thanks

Comment on Is there a way to use perl script to reboot vmware workstation clients automatically from the host?

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Re: Is there a way to use perl script to reboot vmware workstation clients automatically from the host? by Corion (Patriarch) on Feb 05, 2012 at 15:51 UTC
Have you looked at the VMWare API? They even have a dedicated API for Perl. What problems do you have with using that API?	[reply]
Re: Is there a way to use perl script to reboot vmware workstation clients automatically from the host? by NetWallah (Canon) on Feb 05, 2012 at 16:52 UTC
You may not need perl at all, if you use "vmrun", and have vmware tools installed in the WIn7 guest OS's. See http://www.virtuatopia.com/index.php/How_to_Control_VMware_Virtual_Machines_from_the_Command-Line_using_vmrun. More on the VIX API and vmrun: http://www.vmware.com/pdf/vix162_vmrun_command.pdf. “PHP is a minor evil perpetrated and created by incompetent amateurs, whereas Perl is a great and insidious evil perpetrated by skilled but perverted professionals.” ― Jon Ribbens	[reply]