"Name" and "Domain" fields at "DNS and routing configuration/Host Identification" are always grayed out

[degustator]

In VI3 I used to change host DNS settings (hostname and domain) at "DNS and Routing" tab -> "Host Identification". Even more, if DNS and DHCP are properly configured in the environment, there was no need to set these values manually -- they were discovered automatically. The story is defferent in vSphere 4. I always have "Name" field set to "localhost" and "Domain" field is empty. And I can not edit them -- they are grayed out.

Seems that the host is still able to discover its hostname autmatically. I can see the proper name in the console tree (the left pane of vSphere Client). But these values are not populated to "DNS and Routing" tab and I can't set them manually.

Is this by design and how do I use these fields now?

[AntonVZhbankov]

You can always change DNS, host name and domain in ESX(i) console.

If you want to use vSphere client for this - you need to select "Use the following DNS server address" option even to change host name and domain only.

Take a look at screenshots.

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VMware vExpert '2009

http://blog.vadmin.ru

[degustator]

Oh, got it. So if I want to discover hostname automatically I need to select "Obtain DNS server address automatically". In this case hostname will also be auto-discovered, thouhgh not correctly displayed in "Name" and "Domain" fields.

If I want to enter hostname manually I need to select "Use the following DNS server address". In this case I have to set manually not only the hostname, but also the list of DNS Servers.

Correct?

[AntonVZhbankov · Accepted solution]

Yes, you're right. It's a little bit strange, but it works this way in vSphere now.

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VMware vExpert '2009

http://blog.vadmin.ru