Apologies ...
windows 8 is 64 bit.
VMware player version: 5.0.2 build-1031769
The VMPlayer runs windows fine, but because it cannot download the VMtools software component there are definite performance issues. Again the error message is:
"Error updating VMware Tools for Windows 2000 or later. See details for more information"
VMware tools for windows 2000 or later - version 9.2.3
"There was a problem updating a software component. Try again later and if the problem persists, contact VMware Support or your system administrator".