Import a vSphere Distributed Switch task failed with "The operation is not supported on the object. com.vmware.vim.vpxd.dvs.restoreExistDvs.label" error

Products

• VMware vCenter Server 8.0

Issue/Introduction

When attempting to import or restore a vSphere Distributed Switch (VDS) configuration in vCenter Server 8.x, the task fails with the following error:

"The operation is not supported on the object. com.vmware.vim.vpxd.dvs.restoreExistDvs.label"



This typically occurs during the "Import Distributed Switch" or "Restore Configuration" wizard.

Environment

VMware vCenter Server 8.0.x

Cause

The error is caused by a naming conflict.

vCenter Server does not support importing a Distributed Switch if a switch with the same name already exists within the target data center or network folder.
The specific API label restoreExistDvs indicates an attempt to overwrite or restore over an existing object that is not in a state to accept the configuration.

Resolution

To resolve this issue, ensure the target environment does not have a naming collision before performing the import:

1. Log in to the vSphere Client.

2. Navigate to the Inventory view and select Networking.

3. Locate the existing vSphere Distributed Switch that shares the same name as the one being imported.

4. Perform one of the following actions:

   • Rename the existing switch: Right-click the existing VDS > Rename (e.g., append "_old").

   • Delete the existing switch: (Caution: Ensure no hosts or VMs are actively using this switch). Right-click the VDS > Remove from Inventory.

5. Retry the Import Distributed Switch task.

6. During the import wizard, select the option "Preserve original distributed switch and port group identifiers" if you intend to maintain existing UUIDs for script/automation purposes.

Additional Information

For detailed steps on the import and restore process, refer to the vSphere 8 documentation:
Back Up and Restore a vSphere Distributed Switch Configuration