ESXi Host Fails to Join Active Directory Domain Due to Local Storage Hardware Issues

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

Attempts to add an ESXi host to an Active Directory domain fail to complete. The "Join Domain" task remains in a "hung" state indefinitely within the vSphere Client.

During this state, the host may become unresponsive to management attempts, including:

• Inability to log in via the ESXi Direct Console User Interface (DCUI).

• Inability to establish an SSH connection to the host.

• No specific error messages are generated within the vSphere Client task console.

• Inability to login to the console persists even after an ESXi host reboot.

From the server’s out-of-band management console (iDRAC / iLO), hardware alerts show a local hard disk failure.

Environment

VMware ESXi 8.0

Cause

The issue is caused by underlying local hardware failure, specifically defective local hard disks.

When local disks fail or enter a degraded state, the ESXi host's ability to write configuration changes (such as those required for Active Directory integration), leading to unpredictable service hangs and management unresponsiveness.

Resolution

Engage the hardware vendor to validate the disk failure. Replace the defective local hard disk as per vendor guidance.

After the failed disks have been replaced, the ESXi server may need to be rebuilt.