Error: "The specified key, name, or identifier already exists" when adding ESXi host to vSphere Distributed Switch

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

When attempting to add an ESXi host to a vSphere Distributed Switch (vDS) or migrating a host between vCenter Servers, the operation fails with the following error:

The specified key, name, or identifier 'DSwitch-Name' already exists

Environment

• VMware vSphere ESXi 7.x / 8.x
• VMware vCenter Server 7.x / 8.x

Cause

This issue occurs because the ESXi host contains a stale proxy vDS configuration from a previous vCenter registration or an ungraceful removal from a distributed switch. The host still "sees" a DVS object with the same name or identifier, preventing the new vCenter from creating the proxy DVS.

Resolution

Resolution

To resolve this conflict and successfully complete the host import, follow these steps:

1. Rename the Target DVS: Log into the new destination vCenter Server and rename the newly created DVS to clear the identifier naming conflict. (e.g., Change the prefix or name from DSwitch-XYZ-ABC to DSwitch-XYZ-ABC01).

2. Add the ESXi Host: Attempt to add the ESXi host to the newly renamed DVS (DSwitch-XYZ-ABC01). The host should now register and configure successfully without throwing the identifier error.

3. Verify Network Connectivity: Verify that all active Virtual Machines (VMs) on the host remain up, reachable, and continuously pinging without packet loss during the migration.

Additional Information

• Moving an ESX/ESXi host with vSphere Distributed Switches (vDS) between vCenter Servers (337625)
• Adding a host to vDS Distributed Switch fails with error: Already exists (307917)

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