Failed to install software on host. Unable to add user on host with error relating to pam_passwdqc when preparing a host for NSX.

Products

• VMware NSX

Issue/Introduction

While preparing a host for NSX config fails with the below error relating to passwdqc. In this example only 4 values are present, disabled,disabled,15 whereas 4 are expected as per ESXI - Passwords and lockout .

Failed to install software on host. Unable to add user on host [HostUUID] with error : A genera system error occurred: pam_passwdqc: Error parsing parameter "min=disabled,disabled,disabled,15": Invalid parameter value. *** passwd: Critical error - immediate abort



Environment

VMware NSX 
VMware NSX-T Data Center

Cause

This occurs when the password policy of the host is not valid.

Resolution

Edit the password settings on the host to a valid configuration as per the documentation - ESXI - Passwords and lockout . After changing the value the error can be resolved from the GUI within NSX.