vCenter Server 8.0 license missing after upgrade from version 7 in Dell VxRail environment

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

After upgrading a Dell VxRail environment from vSphere 7 to vSphere 8, the vCenter Server license key is missing, invalid, or reverts to evaluation mode. The original license key provided by the OEM (Dell) does not work for the upgraded version.

Environment

• VMware vCenter Server 8.0
• Dell VxRail

Cause

In Dell VxRail deployments, vCenter is often licensed using a generic OEM key (such as #####-#####-#####-#####-#####). These keys are specific to the OEM and version. Broadcom cannot re-generate or provide replacement keys for generic OEM licenses.

Resolution

Contact the Dell reseller or Dell Support to obtain the updated vCenter 8.x license key associated with the VxRail entitlement. Broadcom Support is unable to provide these keys as they are part of the hardware vendor's fulfillment process.

1. Identify the VxRail Service Tag or Serial Number.
2. Contact Dell Support to request the vCenter 8 upgrade license key.
3. Apply the new key in vCenter under Administration > Licensing > Licenses.

If further assistance is needed regarding Broadcom entitlements, see https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/275360  Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on your respective region.

 

Additional Information

For information on general license upgrades, refer to the https://support.broadcom.com/