Error "Invalid option key" when adding Vpx.Vpxa parameters to Host Profiles in vSphere 8.x

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

When attempting to manually add or edit 'Advanced System Settings' within a Host Profile, the task fails.

• • Error message: "Validation failed. Check the policy settings for errors."

  • Detailed error: "Invalid option key" specifically for keys such as Vpx.Vpxa.config_dir.

  • Host Profile compliance shows "Fail" or remains in an "Unknown" state after saving.

Environment

8.x

Cause

The error occurs because the parameter being added is an internal agent descriptor or a read-only runtime variable.

Host Profiles utilize the OptionManager API to validate keys against the host's supported schema. Internal parameters (like legacy vpxa.cfg paths) are not registered as configurable options. In vSphere 8.0 specifically, many vpxa settings have moved to the ESXi Configuration Store and are no longer exposed as standard Advanced Settings.

Resolution

Error is expected as these values cannot be customized