Error: "The vCenter Server is not able to reach the specified URL" vCenter Server patching via VAMI fails to download the updates from online repositories

Products

• VMware vCenter Server
• VMware vCenter Server 7.0
• VMware vCenter Server 8.0

Issue/Introduction

• vCenter Server patching via VAMI fails to download the updates from VMware by Broadcom public repositories.
• VAMI Updates tab will show any of following error message :
  
  The vCenter Server is not able to reach the specified URL. Ensure that the vCenter Server is connected to the internet, the specified URL is correct, and the latest version(s) is available on the VMware online repository. If the issue persists, please contact VMware Support.
  
  
  

Check the URL and try again.



Authentication failure. Enter a valid user name and password, and try again.

 

Environment

7.x
8.x

Cause

Public facing repository URLs and authentication mechanisms are changing. Download URLs are no longer common but unique for each customer therefore will require to be re-configured.

Resolution

1. Download the Token from Broadcom Support Portal by following the steps in VCF Authenticated downloads Configuration Update Instructions. If you already have it, apply the same by following below instructions.
   
   
2. Update the Token in Download URL
   
   Note: Scripted method to update the URLs are available in Authenticated Download Configuration Update Script.
   
   
   1. Login to VC VAMI UI (https://vcenter_server_fqdn/IP:5480)
   2. Navigate to "Update" tab
   3. Click on "SETTINGS"
   4. Use the Default URL to construct new URL with the Downloaded Token
      
      
      1. vCenter Server 7.x
         

         
         Default:
         https://vapp-updates.vmware.com/vai-catalog/valm/vmw/8d167796-34d5-4899-be0a-6daade4005a3/<current_version>.latest

         to

         Specified:
         https://dl.broadcom.com/<downloadToken>/PROD/COMP/VCENTER/vmw/8d167796-34d5-4899-be0a-6daade4005a3/7.0.3.02200

      2. vCenter Server 8.x
         

         
         Default:
         https://vapp-updates.vmware.com/vai-catalog/valm/vmw/8d167796-34d5-4899-be0a-6daade4005a3/<current_version>.latest

         to

         Specified:
         https://dl.broadcom.com/<downloadToken>/PROD/COMP/VCENTER/vmw/8d167796-34d5-4899-be0a-6daade4005a3/8.0.3.00400

         Note: Replace <downloadToken> with the actual downloaded token id.
         
         
   5. Update the New URL in "Specified", and click Save
   6. Releases should get listed from the new entitled URL

Notes:

• • The custom URL is not preserved post migration upgrade, FBBR restore and VCHA failover"
  • If there is a proxy device configured between vCenter and the internet, ensure it is configured to allow communications to the new URL
  • Further patches automatically update this URL. For example, if you patch 8.0.3.00400 to 8.0.3.00500, the default URL will change to end in 8.0.3.00500.

Additional Information

"Error copying packages", vCenter updates using online repositories fails if updates are attempted with the token which does not have entitlement for the specific vCenter Server version.