Cannot change DNS settings in Windows Server after adding a new virtual network adapter

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

• After adding a new network adapter to the virtual machine, DNS settings cannot be added or changed within the Windows Server.
• When DNS settings are changed, you see the message:
  
  You must shut down and restart your computer before the new settings will take effect. Do you want to restart your computer now?
  
  Note: DNS settings are lost .
  
  
• Deleting the server DNS record and re-registering DNS has no affect.
• Editing the NameServer parameter for the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\Tcpip\Parameters registry key displays the error:
  
  Cannot edit NameServer: Error writing the value's new contents

Environment

• VMware vSphere ESXi 5.0
• VMware vSphere ESXi 5.5
• VMware vSphere ESXi 5.1

Cause

This issue occurs when an application within the guest operating system is locking the registry.

 

The lock may be created if there is a security software locking the registry from being changed.

Resolution

Ensure that network adapters are disabled during configuration.