Error: "Error Loading Data", "Cannot read properties of undefined (reading 'childNodes')" When Creating or Editing VM Settings in vCenter Linked Mode
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Error: "Error Loading Data", "Cannot read properties of undefined (reading 'childNodes')" When Creating or Editing VM Settings in vCenter Linked Mode

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Article ID: 397019

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Updated On: 05-23-2025

Products

VMware vCenter Server VMware vCenter Server 8.0

Issue/Introduction

In a vCenter Enhanced Linked Mode (ELM) configuration, users may encounter the following issues:

- Unable to edit the settings of VMs on a different vCenter.
- Unable to create new VMs.

The error message displayed is:
Cannot read properties of undefined (reading 'childNodes')


Environment

vCenter Enhanced Linked Mode

Cause

Enhanced Linked Mode requires that all vCenter instances in the group be running the same version for proper database replication across the linked vCenters. If one of the vCenter instances is running a different version, the linked mode replication features may not function as expected.

This is referenced in the official VMware documentation:
Creating vCenter Server Linked Mode Groups

Resolution

To resolve this issue, ensure that all vCenter instances in the Enhanced Linked Mode (ELM) cluster are running the same version. If the source to update the lower version vCenter is no longer available, you will need to update all vCenter nodes to the same build.

Important:

Additional Information

Ensure that all linked vCenter instances are synchronized in terms of version and build to avoid further issues.