Found this problem/bug with "VMware Workstation e.x.p build-1140354" and lower versions (9.0.2): "Can not find a valid peer process to connect to". Removing "Processor Affinity" from all running instances allows to start virtual machines again, but only if you have set "Processor Affinity" after starting Workstation processes. Setting processor affinity globally for all binaries installed by VMware Workstation renders the software unusable.
Awaited:
Working VMware Workstation, not touching one of the CPU installed in the system any more.
Aktual:
VMware Workstation may be started, but doesn't allow any virtual machine, because of error "Can not find a valid peer process to connect to".
How to reproduce:
Install "VMware Workstation" on Windows XP/Vista/7/8,
Set "Processor Affinity" to any other value then the default (may run on any processor)
Try starting a virtual machine, have the error message "Can not find a valid peer process to connect to"
Reproducible:
Always