Usage Meter Displays "PLEASE ACCEPT CERTIFICATE" After vCenter Certificate Change or New Integration

Products

• VMware Usage Meter

Issue/Introduction

When integrating or managing vCenter Server instances with VMware Usage Meter, the status for a vCenter Server in the Usage Meter web interface may display "PLEASE ACCEPT CERTIFICATE". This status indicates that Usage Meter cannot establish a trusted connection with the vCenter Server, preventing it from collecting metering data.

Environment

VMware vCloud Usage Meter 4.x

VCF Usage Meter 9.x

Cause

VMware Usage Meter requires explicit trust in the vCenter Server's SSL certificate to establish and maintain a secure connection for data collection. The "PLEASE ACCEPT CERTIFICATE" status appears when Usage Meter has not yet trusted (or re-trusted) the vCenter Server's certificate. This commonly occurs in the following scenarios:

• Initial Integration: When adding a new vCenter Server instance to Usage Meter for the first time.
• Migration: After migrating an existing vCenter Server to a different Usage Meter appliance.
• Certificate Replacement/Renewal: If the SSL certificates on a vCenter Server (which is already integrated with Usage Meter) have been replaced, renewed, or otherwise modified.

In these situations, Usage Meter detects a change or a lack of trust in the vCenter Server's presented certificate and prompts for manual acceptance to ensure secure communication.

Resolution

To accept the vCenter Server certificate and enable Usage Meter to resume data collection, follow these steps:

1. Log in to the VMware Usage Meter appliance web interface.
2. Navigate to the Cloud >> vCenter page.
3. Locate the vCenter Server instance that is displaying the "PLEASE ACCEPT CERTIFICATE" status in the Status column.
4. Click on the "PLEASE ACCEPT CERTIFICATE" link/button associated with that vCenter Server.
5. Review the certificate details presented in the pop-up window and confirm your acceptance.

Once the certificate is accepted, Usage Meter will attempt to establish a trusted connection with the vCenter Server. The status for the vCenter Server instance should update to "OK" shortly thereafter, and data collection will resume.