Connecting an ESX host to VirtualCenter fails with the error: Not enough licenses installed

Products

• VMware vCenter Server
• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

This article guides you through troubleshooting and resolving common causes of why an ESX host cannot be successfully connected to the VirtualCenter server.

Symptoms:

• Cannot connect an ESX host to VirtualCenter server
• Not enough licenses installed error when connecting an ESX host to VirtualCenter server

Environment

VMware VirtualCenter 2.5.x
VMware ESX Server 3.5.x
VMware ESX Server 3.0.x
VMware VirtualCenter 2.0.x

Resolution

Validate that each troubleshooting step below is true for your environment. The steps provide instructions or a link to a document, for validating the step and taking corrective action as necessary. The steps are ordered in the most appropriate sequence to isolate the issue and identify the proper resolution. Do not skip a step.

 

This error may be caused by issues with: License Server connectivity, license files, the VirtualCenter server, or a virtual machine.

In every scenario with this error:

1. Ensure the VirtualCenter license exists in the account on the License Portal. For more information, see VirtualCenter (vCenter) licenses explained (1005561).
2. Ensure the VirtualCenter edition selected during installation is the same as the purchased edition, and that there are not problems with virtual machines on the ESX host being added. For more information, see Cannot Add a Host to VirtualCenter (1003623).
3. Verify licenses are activated according to the current need. For more information, see ESX 3.x Server and vCenter 2.x Editions (1005153) .
4. Verify installed licenses on the VMware Infrastructure Client are correct. For more information, see Viewing the number of CPU Licenses using the VI Client (1005262).
5. Ensure the VirtualCenter, License Server, and database services are started and running.

   1. Right-click My Computer > Manage.
   2. Expand Services and Applications and ensure these services show a 'Started' status under the Services option.
       
6. Ensure the correct license file is uploaded to license server following the proper procedure. For more information, see Installing ESX Server licenses (1001383).
7. Verify that network connectivity exists from the VirtualCenter Server to the ESX Server. For more information, see Testing network connectivity with the Ping command (1003486).

Note: If your problem still exists after trying the steps in this article, file a support request with VMware Support and note this KB Article ID in the problem description. For more information, see How to Submit a Support Request.