Uploading an OVF exported from Workstation to vCloud Director fails with the error: A specified parameter was not correct

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

Symptoms:

• Cannot import an OVF to vCloud Director (vCD)
• Importing an OVF to vCD fails
• The virtual machine was created in VMware Workstation
• Cannot deploy the OVF in vCenter Server

Environment

VMware vCenter Server 4.1.x
VMware vCenter Server 4.0.x
VMware vCenter Server 5.0.x
VMware vCenter Server 5.1.x

Cause

VMware Workstation includes a parameter that allows all virtual machines to use the default settings to upgrade VMware Tools.

This setting is not supported in vSphere and vCD environments.

Resolution

To workaround the issue:

1. Open the the OVF file using a text editor.
2. Locate the line:
   
   <vmw:Config ovf:required="false" vmw:key="tools.toolsUpgradePolicy" vmw:value="useGlobal"/>
   
   
3. Change this line to:
   
   <vmw:Config ovf:required="false" vmw:key="tools.toolsUpgradePolicy" vmw:value="manual"/>
   
   
4. Save the file.
   
   Note: The .mf file must be deleted after saving the changes.
   
   
5. Alternatively, export the virtual machine back to Workstation and change VMware Tools update option to manual:
6. Right-click the virtual machine in Workstation and click Edit Settings.
7. In the Options tab, change the VMware Tools update option from Use application default to Manual.