Adding an ESXi/ESX host to vCenter Server fails with the error: The evaluation Mode license assigned to Host has expired

Products

• VMware vCenter Server
• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

• Adding an ESXi/ESX host to vCenter Server fails

• You see one of the following errors:

  "The evaluation Mode license assigned to Host hostname has expired. Recommend updating the license"

  "License not available to perform the operation. The Unlimited license for 'Host' (hostname) does not include 'vCenter agent for VMware host'. Upgrade the license."

• The ESXi host system clock may show an incorrect date (for example, a date years in the past)

• IPMI or BMC sensor logs on the physical server may show CMOS battery failure alerts

Cause

This issue occurs if the date and time in the BIOS is incorrect.

 

When you add an ESXi  host with a incorrect system time to vCenter Server, the license is converted to an evaluation license that immediately expires.

Resolution

To resolve this issue, set the correct date and time in the host BIOS, reboot the host, then add the host to the vCenter Server inventory.

 

For more information on setting the correct date and time in the BIOS, consult your vendor.

Additional Information