Error "The Execute Disable/No Execute CPU feature is not enabled for this machine" in the ESX Service Console

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

• The ESX Service Console displays the message:

The Execute Disable/No Execute CPU feature is not enabled for this machine

• You may have issues provisioning or problems executing power operations on certain virtual machines.

Environment

• VMware ESXi 4.1.x Embedded
• VMware ESXi 4.0.x Installable
• VMware ESXi 4.1.x Installable
• VMware ESX 4.0.x
• VMware vSphere ESXi 5.0
• VMware vSphere ESXi 5.1
• VMware ESXi 4.0.x Embedded
• VMware ESX 4.1.x

Cause

This problem can occur on servers that have the option to enable or disable the No-Execute Memory Protection option (or simply called the Execute option) in the BIOS.

Resolution

Enable the option in your server's BIOS. For more information, consult your hardware vendor.