Newly deployed or restored virtual machine unable to connect to the network or CD/DVD when powered on

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi
• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

After a new virtual machine (VM) has been deployed from a template, cloned, or restored from a backup, it may fail to establish network connectivity immediately upon being powered on. This can lead to the VM being inaccessible on the network and tasks requiring network access failing.

• A newly deployed or restored virtual machine powers on but shows no network connectivity (e.g., no IP address, inability to ping, network applications failing).
• The virtual machine's network adapter or CD/DVD drive may appear "Disconnected" in its settings even after power-on.

 

Environment

• VMware ESXi (all versions)
• VMware vCenter Server (all versions)

Cause

This issue occurs because the "Connect At Power On" option for the virtual machine's network adapter (and potentially CD/DVD drive) is not selected, this option may be deselected for certain operations (like template deployment or restoration) to prevent potential IP address conflicts or other network-related issues, especially in environments where network configurations are managed after initial deployment. This design allows administrators explicit control over device connection during automated power-on events or failover scenarios.

Resolution

To ensure that the virtual machine's network adapter or CD/DVD drive connects automatically as soon as the virtual machine is powered on, you need to enable the "Connect At Power On" option for the respective device.

Follow these steps:

1. Locate the Virtual Machine: In the vCenter Server UI or directly on the ESXi host, navigate to the virtual machine that is experiencing the connectivity issue.
2. Edit Virtual Machine Settings:
   • Right-click the virtual machine.
   • Select "Edit Settings…"
3. Configure Network Adapter:
   • In the "Edit Settings" dialog box, expand the settings for the "Network Adapter".
   • Locate the checkbox labeled "Connect At Power On".
   • Ensure this checkbox is selected.
     
     
4. Configure CD/DVD Drive (if applicable):
   • If the issue also involves the CD/DVD drive not connecting (e.g., for ISO-based installations), expand the settings for the "CD/DVD drive".
   • Locate the checkbox labeled "Connect At Power On".
   • Ensure this checkbox is selected.
     
5. Save Changes: Click "OK" to save the changes to the virtual machine's settings.
   
   Note: The affected virtual machine could be a vCenter virtual machine as well.