Modifying webclient URL on vCenter Server welcome page

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

• Launching the Webclient URL: https://vcenter.example.com:443 from vCenter Server welcome page fails.
• Trying to open the Webclient from vCenter Server welcome fails with error:

In order for this direct link to work, you must first log in to the vSphere Web Client at least once from https://{webclient-host}:{webclient-https-port}.

Environment

• VMware vCenter Server 5.1.x
• VMware vCenter Server 5.5.x

Cause

This issue occurs if the webclient component is moved to a different server.

Resolution

Edit the index.html in the doc root folder and add the FQDN or IP address of the webclient server. Please take a backup of the file before continuing. 

To modify the index.html file:

• Open C:\ProgramData\VMware\VMware VirtualCenter\docRoot\index.html file.
• Find this line entry: <li><script type="text/javascript">document.write('<a hre443/vsphere-client/">'+ ID_LogInFlexClient +'</a>');</script></li>
• Add the FQDN of the webclient to this entry:
• <li><script type="text/javascript">document.write('<a href="https://FDQN_or_IP:443/vsphere-client/">'+ ID_LogInFlexClient +'</a>');</script></li>
• Save the file and then refresh the vCenter Server welcome page.