Troubleshooting Unlicensed Installations of VMware ESXi 6.0

When it comes to managing licenses in a VMware environment, issues can arise if not properly configured. One common problem is unlicensed installations of VMware ESXi 6.0, which can be caused by various factors. In this article, we will explore the possible causes and solutions for resolving unlicensed installations of VMware ESXi 6.0.

Hardware Requirements

VMware ESXi 7.0 has excluded older CPUs and now supports the latest generations of processors. This change also applies to the newest incarnation of ESXi. However, it is essential to note that the number of possible iSCSI paths (128 to 2048) and RDMA NVMe namespaces per server have increased.

vSphere Desktop License Issue

Another issue I encountered was vSphere 6 Desktop license not consuming as expected. This meant that no ESXi bundling would work until the underlying consumption issue was resolved. In this case, it is crucial to identify the root cause of the problem and resolve it before attempting any fixes.

Identifying the Problem

To identify the issue, I reviewed the installed VMware applications on unlicensed inventory devices and noted which license the vSphere install was consuming from. However, I failed to account for all licenses when bundling the ESXi application. The vSphere installs are consuming off either of these licenses depending on the Application License Consumption Priority.

Resolving Unlicensed Installations

To resolve this exclusion, it is essential to identify the correct license and ensure that it is properly configured. Unfortunately, there may be instances where a license is created but not assigned correctly or vice versa. In such cases, it is necessary to conduct a deep investigation to resolve the issue.

Common Reasons for Unlicensed Installations

There are two primary reasons why an installation of VMware ESXi 6.0 might be unlicensed: either there is no license created for an application of that name, version, and edition or there is a license available but some installations cannot be covered by it. In the latter case, every reported installation of this application will display as unlicensed.

Troubleshooting Steps

To troubleshoot unlicensed installations of VMware ESXi 6.0, follow these steps:

1. Review the installed VMware applications on unlicensed inventory devices and identify which license the vSphere install is consuming from.

2. Ensure that all licenses are properly configured and assigned to the correct applications.

3. Conduct a deep investigation to resolve any underlying consumption issues.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can effectively resolve unlicensed installations of VMware ESXi 6.0 and ensure that your environment is fully licensed and compliant.

In conclusion, unlicensed installations of VMware ESXi 6.0 can occur due to various reasons, including incorrect license configuration or underlying consumption issues. By identifying the root cause of the problem and resolving it, you can resolve these exclusions and maintain a compliant and properly licensed environment.

Vmware esxi 6.0 license