ESXi 4: is it free or not?

[fritzdimmel]

Hi

I've downloaded the ESXi 4 ISO (VMware-VMvisor-Installer-4.0.0-164009.x86_64.iso) and installed it on our server.

When I connect to it via the vSphere Client, I get the warning it's in evaluation mode for 60 days.

What does this mean?

I thought ESXi 4.0 is free?

When I downloaded it, I got a Serial Number too from the Download Page on vmware.com.

When I try to enter it on the Web-Interface of ESXi it says that this license key is not valid.

Has someone else having this problem?

Is it free or not?

Thanks for your answers,

Bye,

Fritz

[VivekDhayalan]

You might have downloaded a trail version. ESX is not a free product.

[fritzdimmel]

Hi,

I don't think so.

I downloaded it from: https://www.vmware.com/tryvmware/p/activate.php?p=free-esxi&lp=1

Next to the write:

VMware ESXi 4.0 Installable (CD ISO)

Version 4.0.0 | 164009 - 05/21/09

That should be the right one...?

Fritz

[VivekDhayalan]

It's a trial ware only.

[fritzdimmel]

Where do you have this information from?

They write "Free ESXi"

[ShanVMLand · Accepted solution]

They must have sent License details to your email ID to activate. I received the Activation email from VMWare.

Please check your email box again.

Shan

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[fritzdimmel]

I received the mail "Activate your VMware ESXi License" with the download link and the Product Key.

But as already mentioned: this product key doesn't work.

Or am I doing something wrong? Where shall I enter this key? Maybe I did it on the wrong place.

Thanks

[fritzdimmel]

I finally found it!

For testing purposes I'm running ESXi within VMware Server 2.0. And I tried to enter the ESXi key to the Server.

Sorry for my questions, was a big mistake!

Thanks,

Fritz

[ShanVMLand]

I am seeing a note under the license , This license key is only valid for VMware ESXi 3.5 Update 2 and later. It confusing me now. Can we use this for ESXi4??? Gotta dig more!!!

Shan

[fritzdimmel]

Yes it works.

Under Configuration -> Licensed Features I entered the Serial and now I got:

Product: ESXi 4 Single Server Licensed for 1 physical CPUs (1-6 cores per CPU)

License Key:

Expires: Never

Product Features:

Up to 256 GB of memory

Up to 4-way virtual SMP

Fritz

[ShanVMLand]

Lovely then, Lets Enjoy.

Thanks

Shan

[DRidenour]

Fritz,

I also am running ESXi 4 and having a similar problem. I go to Configuration in vSphere and click Licensed Features under Software, but I do not see anywhere to enter the license key. This has to be the hardest software to register that I have ever encountered.

Any suggestions?

Donovan

[florinfs]

Thanks Fritz, your answer to your question helped me a lot!!!

Florin

[florinfs]

Donovan, in the top right corner, click edit.

Florin

[umesh_p]

Yes its correct..we can add licence key in that..but i would like to know where i will get the key..? is it a freeware or we have to purchase it..if anyone knowz please help me on this..because i want to try it in corp envernment.