I frequently need to manage VMWare servers running either VSphere 4.0 or 4.1, if you are also in this position you will know that when you connect to a v4.1 server using the v4.0 client, it will prompt you to download & install the upgraded version (this is also the case when connecting to a v4.0 server with the v4.1 client) – you will also know that proceeding to do so removes & replaces the version you had installed. Someone I know came up with a simple solution which allows you to run both versions of the client on one computer:

1. Install VSphere Client V4.0 on you computer.

2. Rename the folder “C:\Program Files\VMware\Infrastructure\Virtual Infrastructure Client” to “C:\Program Files\VMware\Infrastructure\Virtual Infrastructure Client – V4.0 \”

3. Install VSphere Client V4.1 on your computer, this gets installed to “C:\Program Files\VMware\Infrastructure\Virtual Infrastructure Client”.

4. Create shortcuts to the relevant version of VSphere Client Launcher in your start menu to the following files:

•  VSphere Client v4.0: “C:\Program Files\VMware\Infrastructure\Virtual Infrastructure Client – V4.0\Launcher\VpxClient.exe”
• VSphere Client v4.1: “C:\Program Files\VMware\Infrastructure\Virtual Infrastructure Client\Launcher\VpxClient.exe”

5. Enjoy a simpler VSphere Client experience!