Summary tab of vSphere Client displays a "Reboot Required" message after you patch an ESX/ESXi host

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

If you connect to an ESX or ESXi 4.0 host with the vSphere Client, then patch the host and reboot the host while still connected to the host, the Summary tab of the vSphere Client will indicate that a reboot is required. Also, certain other information, such as the system level or build number is not updated. The same issues are seen for ESX or ESXi hosts connected to vCenter Server.

Environment

VMware ESXi 4.0.x Installable
VMware ESXi 4.0.x Embedded
VMware ESX 4.0.x

Resolution

Starting with ESX/ESXi 4.0, the vSphere Client automatically reconnects to a host after being disconnected during a host reboot. Earlier versions of the software do not reconnect automatically, and do not experience this issue. To resolve these issues, close the vSphere Client and reconnect to the host or vCenter Server with a new session of the client.

After taking these steps, if your host has been properly rebooted during the patching routine, your new connection with vSphere Client will show the correct status and build number for the host.