Update Error 'Unable to connect to the vCenter server' during vCenter 8.0 U1 patching

Products

• VMware vCenter Server
• VMware vCenter Server 8.0

Issue/Introduction

When patching vCenter Server from the Appliance Management (VAMI) page, the following error message appears: Unable to connect to the vCenter server. The vCenter Server is down due to an occurred error during the update process. Restore the vCenter Server from a snapshot or a backup.

The following logs show no errors or failures:

• /var/log/vmware/applmgmt/Patchrunner.log
• /var/log/vmware/applmgmt/update_microservice.log

All services are continuing to progress when connected to vCenter via SSH in CLI when using the command

watch service-control status

Environment

• VMware vCenter Server 8.0.x (Updating from 8.0 Update 1)

Cause

vCenter 8.0 U1 has a less tolerant timeout configuration for service initialization. If the time required to start services during an update exceeds this internal timeout, the VAMI incorrectly reports a failure even if the backend update process is proceeding normally.

Resolution

Allow the update to proceed without intervention. Do not restore from snapshot or reboot the appliance while services are initializing.

To verify the update progress, connect to the vCenter Server via SSH and monitor the service status: 

watch service-control --status --all

Once all services report as Running, refresh the VAMI page to confirm the successful update to the desire vCenter 8.0.X build