vCLS VMs unexpectedly restart due to ESXi host license expiration and disconnection from vCenter Server

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

• vCLS (vSphere Cluster Services) virtual machines unexpectedly restart.

• ESXi hosts appear as disconnected in the vCenter Server inventory.

 

Environment

VMware vCenter Server 7.0

VMware vCenter Server 8.0

Cause

This issue occurs when the ESXi host licenses have expired, causing the hosts to disconnect from the vCenter Server.

Because of this disconnection, the vCenter Server cannot communicate with the ESXi hosts to execute routine background tasks, such as the vCLS password change process. The failure of these routine management processes leads to the unexpected restarts of the vCLS VMs.

Resolution

To resolve this issue, you must restore the connection between the vCenter Server and the ESXi hosts by applying valid licenses.

1. Verify the current license status of the affected ESXi hosts and the vCenter Server.

2. Assign valid, unexpired licenses to the ESXi hosts.

3. Reconnect the disconnected ESXi hosts to the vCenter Server.

Once the normal communication between the vCenter Server and ESXi hosts is restored, vCenter Server will be able to manage the vCLS VMs and complete the routine password processes successfully.