Error: "vSphere Client cannot be installed on a Domain Controller" when installing vSphere Client in a vSphere 5.5 environment

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

• Cannot install the vSphere Client in a vSphere 5.5 environment
• Installing the vSphere Client fails
• You see the error:
  
  vSphere Client requires Windows XP SP2 or later.
  vSphere Client cannot be installed on a Domain Controller.

Environment

VMware vCenter Server 5.5.x

Cause

This issue occurs if you are attempting to install the vSphere Client on a server that is either promoted to a domain controller or has one of the 5 operations primary roles of Active Directory.

• For more information, see the Microsoft TechNet article Domain Controller Roles.
   
  This is an expected behavior.

Resolution

Ensure that the vSphere Client is installed on a host that is not a domain controller.