https://softwareupdate.vmware.com/cds however when I go to that location directly in my web browser the directories are empty. I’m guessing this is where the problem is.
On the contrary, If I add a “ / ” to the end of the URL in my web browser:
https://softwareupdate.vmware.com/cds/ it brings me to what looks like the correct update server location which does not contain the empty directories as mentioned above.
Try using: http://softwareupdate.vmware.com/cds/vmw-desktop/player/