TNG Standard (not TNG for Asterisk) for Windows or Linux,
required the USB buffer to be detected. If the buffer is
not detected, TNG will not load call data independant of
whether you use the communication mode SERIAL/NETWORK/INPUT FILE.
The high-end installation of the VM ware, has more features
than the other version. For the buffer to be detected, the
VM ware must support USB.
If not, you can try using a serial to USB convertor and use
the comport of the PC.
Conclude:
If your VM ware installation supports USB the buffer will be
detected and TNG will be able to operate.