Power-on attempt on cloned VM throws error "Property 'System Root User Password' must be configured for the VM to be powered on."
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Power-on attempt on cloned VM throws error "Property 'System Root User Password' must be configured for the VM to be powered on."

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Article ID: 382685

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Updated On:

Products

VMware vCenter Server VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

  • A VM is cloned from another working VM
  • The VM created from the clone won't power on and instead gets the following error 

"Property 'System Root User Password' must be configured for the VM to be powered on."

Environment

VMware vCenter 7.x, 8.x

VMware ESXi 7.x, 8.x

Resolution

  • Verify the location and path of the cloned VM files (.vmx, .vmdk files) can be located from the vSphere ui.
  • Unregister the VM by right-clicking the clone VM and click Remove from Inventory (DO NOT Delete from Disk)

  • Locate the cloned VMs folder and .vmx file select the .vmx file and click Register VM

  • Select a name (default will keep the same name), and cluster/host to complete registration
  • Power on should now be successful 

Additional Information

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