Install -Stage 2: vCenter Server setup is in progress and stuck at 0%.

Products

• VMware vCenter Server
• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

• When installing vCenter with FQDN the installation does not progress during Stage 2 deployment and is found stuck at 0%. 
• When using NAT between vCenter server and ESXi host the vCenter installation does not progress during Stage 2 deployment and is found stuck at 0%. 

Environment

• VMware vCenter Sever
• VMware vSphere ESXi

Cause

• The DNS resolution is not functioning for vCenter server. 
• If the host and vCenter server are connected using NAT, the host disconnects from the vCenter Server since the host cannot reach the main network. 
• Using NAT between the vCenter Server and ESXi hosts is an unsupported configuration with no workaround.

Resolution

Ensure that the vCenter server, ESXi, host and jump server are on the same network , DNS resolution working for vCenter before retrying the vCenter deployment.

Additional Information

Using NAT between the vCenter Server system and ESXi hosts will disconnect the host from the vCenter