Error "The Operation is not supported on the object" experienced while attempting to delete VM Templates from either vCenter Server's Content Library or from the vCenter Server Inventory

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

While attempting to delete VM Templates from either vCenter Server's Content Library Section or from the vCenter Server Inventory, the delete operation fails with the message:

Task Name: Delete Library Item
Targe: VM Name
Status: The operation is not supported on the object.

 

Environment

• vCenter Server Appliance 7.0
• vCenter Server Appliance 8.0

Cause

The objects have already been deleted from the backing datastore, and therefore there is nothing to delete from the vCenter Server's perspective.

Resolution

Delete the VM Templates from vCenter inventory using "Remove from inventory" option.

1. Identify the object in the vCenter Server Inventory.
2. Right click on the template.
3. Select "Remove from Inventory."
4. Click "Yes" on the confirmation screen.

Note: If the Remove from Inventory option is greyed out (disabled), ensure there are no active tasks, such as a hung "Delete" or "Sync" operation, associated with the object. You may also need to check for file-level locks on the datastore if the host is still attempting to access the metadata Error Operation Not Supported.