[VMC] Unable to perform HCX migration with the error "External device(s) detected on VM-name."

Products

• VMware Cloud on AWS

Issue/Introduction

You are unable to perform HCX migration such as vMotion and Bulk Migration from HCX plugin UI with the following errors.

One or more VMs have errors, cannot proceed with migration.
External device(s) detected on VM-name.

Cause

This issue is caused due to the presence of external drives on a VM that are not available on the SDDC.

Resolution

Configure the Virtual Hardware settings on the VM from the vCenter UI:

1. Verify that "Connected" option is disabled if external device such as "CD/DVD drive" is in the setting.
2. Verify that "Connect At Power On" status under the external device is disabled.

Alternatively, you can configure this setting by using PowerCLI:

1. Connect your vCenter via PowerCLI.
   
   If you are new to using PowerCLI with VMC on AWS, please review: Getting Started with VMware Cloud On AWS cmdlets
   
   
2. Run the following command to disable "CD/DVD drive" from the VM.
   
   get-vm -Name <VM Name> | get-cddrive | Set-CDDrive -StartConnected $false

If the problem persists after the above measures, please remove the "CD/DVD drive" from the VM:

• vSphere Client > Hosts and Clusters > VM-name > ACTIONS > Edit Settings > Click the "X" on the right side of the "CD/DVD drive" to remove.