“License key has expired. Please install a valid license to use this product” while performing task on VMs

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

• When performing task on VMs , it fails with license error:
• 
• On checking the host’s license from vCenter, it has valid license however checking from host UI, shows ESXi assigned to expired evaluation license 
• In Aria Operations, the host has duplicate entries for the affected hosts 
• In vCenter /var/log/vmware/vpxd/vpxd.log:

Cause

This issue could be caused by duplicate entries in Aria Operations for the ESXi host, which may also consume licenses. This can lead to over-usage, and in this case, it appears the license was reassigned back to an evaluation license.

Resolution

Identify Duplicate Objects in Aria Operations:

Search for and identify duplicate object entries in the Aria Operations inventory using the search functionality.

Steps to Remove Duplicate Objects in Aria Operations 8.x to 8.17.x:

• Navigate to the Environment--> Inventory section of Aria Operations.
• Use the search bar to find the specific object you wish to investigate for duplicates.
• Once the duplicates are identified, select the duplicate objects.
• Click on the Delete option to remove the duplicate objects from the inventory.

Steps to Remove Duplicate Objects in Aria Operations 8.18.x 

• Navigate to Operations > Configurations > Inventory Management 
• Use the search bar to find the specific object you wish to investigate for duplicates.
• Once the duplicates are identified, select the duplicate objects.
• Click on the Delete option to remove the duplicate objects from the inventory.

Aria KB for reference: https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/378522 

• Verify there are no more duplicate entries in the vCenter.
• Disconnect the host from the vCenter and reconnect it back 
• Assign a valid license again and perform any task on the VM.