vCLS fails to deploy/power on after changing storage in Nutanix cluster

Products

• VMware vCenter Server
• VMware vSphere ESX 7.x
• VMware vSphere ESX 8.x

Issue/Introduction

• vCLS VMs deployment is in a loop
• Deployment OVF template task says, "The task was canceled by a user."
• Disabled and re-enabled vCLS on Cluster via Retreat Mode does not fix the issue

Environment

vSphere 7.x
vSphere 8.x

Cause

vCenter ESXi Certificate mode is configured in Thumbprint mode.

"In thumbprint mode, the vCenter Server system checks only whether a certificate exists and is formatted correctly, and does not check whether the certificate is valid."

Use legacy thumbprint mode for debugging.

Resolution

Reconfigure the vCenter to use VMCA ESXi certificate mode or custom mode.

Note, by default, VMware Certificate Authority (VMCA) provisions ESXi with certificates. Use custom mode when replacing VMCA certificates with custom certificates. 

If in vCLS Retreat mode, exit Retreat mode to vCLS System Managed.

Additional Information

For an explanation of certificate modes, see Certificates and Certificate Modes.