Error when attempting to update SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) for VMware: No update repository configured

Products

• VMware

Issue/Introduction

Symptoms:

• A newly installed SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) for VMware cannot get software updates.
• Initializing an online update fails
• You are unable to update SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) for VMware
• The YaST update utility fails
• Updating the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) operating system for VMware fails with the error:
  
  No update repository configured yet. Run configuration workflow now?

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) for VMware 1.x

Resolution

The SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) for VMware operating system needs to be activated before the system can be updated. 

When the system is activated, the Novell repository is added and the client can start software updates. 

To activate the system to allow for system updates:

1. Select Computer, then YaST.
2. Under Software, select Online Update Configuration. This opens the Novell Customer Center Configuration page.
3. Select Advanced then Register for support and get update repository, then click Next.
4. The client is prompted to register manually and a browser opens. At this point, enter the activation key.
5. The update repositories are added and the client can open YaST. Under Software, you can select Online Update to get updates and patches.

Additional Information

To avoid this step for future installs, you can activate the system during installation.

To activate the system during installation:

1. Download the ISO image from Novell (http://download.novell.com/Download?buildid=51050JB8KJo).
2. Copy the ISO image to VMware storage or local storage that you can access for ISO-based installation from VMware vCenter Server.
3. Create a virtual machine with the ISO image connected. Depending on which version you are installing, select Linux SUSE Linux Enterprise 11 (32-bit) or Linux SUSE Linux Enterprise 11 (64-bit) as the guest operating system of your new virtual machine.
4. Power on the virtual machine and follow the installation workflow.
5. In the installation workflow, use your activation code from VMware to activate. Using this code ensures you receive all updates and patches and allows you to sign up for streamlined access to maintenance and support from VMware.
6. Configure your SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) for VMware as you would for a physical system. If unsure about a configuration option, use the default setting.

For more information regarding SLES for VMware, see http://www.vmware.com/products/sles-for-vmware/overview.html.