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Hoygen2020
Contributor
Contributor

"vStorage APIs" feature is not installed on the server" how to troubleshoot?

Hello,

I have a backup tool complaining that the vStorage APIs" feature is not installed on the Esxi server.

The host uses VMware ESXi 6.5.0 build-4564106

And I would like to know how can I see if that feature is installed or not, and if it's not installed I would like to install it.

Can you please help?

8 Replies
scott28tt
VMware Employee
VMware Employee

Are you using ESXi "free" (also known as the vSphere Hypervisor)?

https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/1021175


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Although I am a VMware employee I contribute to VMware Communities voluntarily (ie. not in any official capacity)
VMware Training & Certification blog
Hoygen2020
Contributor
Contributor

Hello,

i read from that article: "Data Protection APIs are included with all licensed vSphere editions."

If I check my license I have:

vmodl key: esx.hypervisor.cpuPackage

   name: VMware vSphere 6 Hypervisor

     unit: cpuPackage

   Properties:

     [ProductName] = VMware ESX Server

     [ProductVersion] = 6.0

     [count_disabled] = This license is unlimited

     [feature] = vsmp:8 ("Up to 8-way virtual SMP")

     [FileVersion] = 6.5.0.2

How can I add that function?

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scott28tt
VMware Employee
VMware Employee

vSphere Hypervisor is not a "licensed" edition as such, it's not a paid-for license.

This article should help: An Overview of ESXi Free Limitations and Restrictions

So you'll need to use a different backup tool, or to buy a vSphere license (even the Essentials license kit will do)


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Although I am a VMware employee I contribute to VMware Communities voluntarily (ie. not in any official capacity)
VMware Training & Certification blog
Hoygen2020
Contributor
Contributor

Thanks you explained me all I needed.

The license I have is Free, so I don't have the feature I need to run backups with my tool, (even the Essentials license kit will do)

You are very kind sir and thank you very much.

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IRIX201110141
Champion
Champion

Yes its a license issue. Btw. you should upgrade your stock 6.5.0 to 6.5u3 if possible.

About the VADP (vSphere API for Data Protection). There are free backup solutions out there which can work together with the Free ESXi Hypervisor like https://vmcom.com/are-you-bothered-by-backing-up-the-esxi-free-hypervisor/

Regards,
Joerg

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Hoygen2020
Contributor
Contributor

Can I have confirmation that if I buy this license https://store-eu.vmware.com/vmware-vsphere-essentials-kit-285017500.html

I will be able to run backups with Acronis Cyber Backup, and not have the issue in this link  https://kb.acronis.com/content/14931    ?

Thank you all for your kindess.

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scott28tt
VMware Employee
VMware Employee

That Acronis message is very misleading - it really means exactly the same as we've been describing in this thread. The APIs are not "installed" in the way Acronis describe, the functionality is always there and it's a case of whether you have the license or not.

A vSphere Essentials license will activate the API - confirmed on page 2 of this document: https://www.vmware.com/content/dam/digitalmarketing/vmware/en/pdf/products/vsphere/vmware-vsphere-es...


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Although I am a VMware employee I contribute to VMware Communities voluntarily (ie. not in any official capacity)
VMware Training & Certification blog
IRIX201110141
Champion
Champion

I can confirmed that.  Every customer gets as a minimum this license bundle (cheapest one without Support) from us  and the one and only reason* it to get $vendor backup product working.

Regards,
Joerg

* Ok, having a vcenter around is also nice even with only a single host.

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