After the missing kernel was released, I attempted to get dpkg to finish the config but it was still stuck in a loop. Further problems with the nvidia driver convinced me to start over with the MinimalCD. The subsequent vmware-player install completed successfully.
-- VMWare Player fails to install https://launchpad.net/bugs/84134 -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs
