The virtual machine inventory file on host is damaged or unreadable.

[xtgmike]

This is the message I got when I rebooted an ESXi 4.1 host today.

All VMs listed as orphaned. Attempting to readd them to inventory results in an error.

I haven't been able to find anything in my searching. This is a dev box and has it's VMs running on local storage, so I'd hope to not have to blow it out. I have enabled SSH so I can reach it when I'm off site if anyone has any suggestions.

[jamesbowling]

Check out the following KB Article: 1007969

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[xtgmike]

That seems to be specific to an issue with individual VMs. This is a host wide problem.

[jamesbowling]

I understand but you are getting this error when trying to add a VM back. Please see if this resolves the issue with at least one VM first.

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[xtgmike]

The error I receive when trying to readd a VM is:

"A virtual machine or a template having the same name is already registered.

Server error: The specified key, name or identifier already exists."

[jamesbowling]

Have you tried restarting the management agents on the host since the reboot?

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[xtgmike]

I have, to no avail.

[jamesbowling]

I am assuming you are Removing from Inventory the orphaned machines before trying to re-add them?

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[xtgmike]

This works fine on normal VMs, but I have "replica" vms from View on this host that wouldn't work that way.

[ssingh482]

To solve this issue, please see KB Article 2031100