"Operation timed out" configuring vSphere HA Cluster

Products

• VMware
• VMware vCenter Server
• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

Symptoms:

• vSphere HA configuration fails
• Only Host that completes operation is the master node
• Remaining hosts show error "Operation timed out"

Environment

vCenter Server 6.x / 7.x / 8.x
vCenter Server Appliance 6.x / 7.x / 8.x
vSphere ESXi 6.x / 7.x / 8.x

Cause

• Certificates of ESXi were replaced recently and vSphere HA was not disabled prior to the certificate updates
• Recent changes on gateway for ESXi hosts

Resolution

1. Turn off HA for the Cluster.
2. Disconnect and reconnect all hosts in cluster one at a time.
3. Turn on HA for Cluster.

Additional Information

• vSphere HA Checklist
• Create a vSphere HA Cluster in the vSphere Client