Enterprise Trial License

[dkins]

Hi,

I have 3 ESX 4.0 servers licensed with Advanced licenses on each.

I want to test out storage vmotion and was wondering what would happen if I entered an Enterprise trial key on the servers, tested the feature, but then wanted to go back to Advanced?

Is it just a matter of re-entering the Advanced license key or would it require a re-installation?

[a_p_]

Actually this should work as long as you do not enable any Enterprise features like FT, vDS ...

When you initially install ESX without entering a license key, it defaults to a 60-day Enterprise Plus trial version and there are no issues assigning the license keys later, so I assume changing forth and back will work.

André

[kac2]

gosh that sounds scary. i wouldnt mess with a production cluster. do you have a standalone beefy box that you can test with? virtualize ESX within itself

http://www.vcritical.com/2009/05/vmware-esx-4-can-even-virtualize-itself/

[weinstein5 · Accepted solution]

Welcome to the Forums - Yes it is that simple - just replace the license key and when you are done replace it with the original licdense key -

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[dkins]

thanks everyone..will give it a go on the weekend and then revert back

[kac2]

call me crazy but how exactly do you get a license key for enterprise plus for just a trial...

i am under the impression that you can install ESX(i), vCenter, etc and you will have a trial period with all the features. At the end of the trial period you have to enter a serial key or your VMs will no longer boot and ESX hosts are disconnected from vCenter.

So how do you go abouts getting a license key for enterprise plus? At no point do I remember getting a license key for a trial.

*EDIT*

So unless you format your ESX(i) hosts, I don't know how you can test out SvMotion in your production environment.

[dkins]

thanks, it worked

[amvmware]

VMware partners can provide customers with 60 day eval licenses - available on the partner portal. By default if you do not supply a license key during the installation you will have access to all the features for 60 days - but as has also been pointed out if you configure options that your license key does not support - ie having a advanced key and enabled FT for example - you will not be able to use the license until the features have been removed\disabled.