vCenter patching hangs at "Converting data as part of post install" following an SSH session disconnection

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

The vCenter update process is initiated through the vCenter Server Appliance (VCSA) Shell via an SSH session. (Patching and Updating vCenter Server 8.0 Deployments -> Install vCenter Server Patches)

If the SSH session disconnects during the update process, the patching may stall at the 'Converting data as part of post install' stage after the connection is re-established, as shown in the screenshots below:

The "PATCH ERROR" string is logged in /var/log/vmware/applmgmt/PatchRunner.log; the specific error message depends on the exact timing of the SSH disconnection.

 

Environment

VMware vCenter Server 8.0.x

Cause

The vCenter patching process was interrupted due to an SSH session disconnection from the Appliance Shell.

Resolution

Revert to the vCenter Server snapshot and restart the patching process.

Additional Information

"LWREG_ERROR_NO_SUCH_KEY_OR_VALUE", vCenter update fails with error Internal error occurs during execution of update process