Ubuntu network adapter disconnected after guest customization

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

• The network adapter on an Ubuntu guest operating system remains in a disconnected state following the execution of a VM customization specification.
• The customization process fails to complete successfully. Following the error message in /var/log/vmware-imc/toolsDeployPkg.log

/root/.customization/customize.sh: line 2:[xprecustomization: command not found

Environment

VMware vSphere ESXi 8.x

Cause

The failure originates from a syntax error within the customization script provided in the VM customization specification. 

Resolution

Add missed space after the opening bracket [ on line 2

Incorrect: if [x$1 = x"precustomization" ]; then
Correct: if [ x$1 = x"precustomization" ]; then

More information on creating guest customization scripts for Linux virtual machines, please see Setting the customization script for virtual machines in vSphere 7.x and 8.x