An Error: "Operation timed out" when attempting to export, import, or deploy OVF template

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

Attempting to export, import, or deploy an OVF template fails with the one or more of the following errors:

• Operation timed out
• Failed to export OVF package. ThrowableProxy.cause A general system error occurred: The transfer of disks and content failed for the operation.
• Removing temporary objects and files. Transfer Failed. Error: Execution aborted. Completed with errors

Environment

• VMware vCenter 7.x
• VMware vCenter 8.x

 

Cause

Incorrectly configured vCenter proxy can lead to failures accessing OVF templates. 

Resolution

1. To isolate the issue, test if the OVF import/export works by disabling the proxy. Troubleshooting vCenter Server Proxy Configuration
2. Attempt OVF export or deploy using the OVF Tool directly to the ESXi host. This will bypass any vCenter timeouts that could be responsible for the failure. OVF Tool Command Syntax to Export and Deploy OVA/OVF Packages
3. 1.