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virtualg_uk
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Importing OVA into VCSA 6.5 fails - The operation failed for an unknown reason

I'm trying to import an OVA via the vSphere Flash Client. The VCSA is running 6.5 GA, however I@m getting the following error.

The SSL certificate is imported and as you can see from the attached screenshot, there are no SSL warnings in the browser.

The VCSA was configured with the IP as it's system name. I think there is another issue and the SSL warning is just a guess at the problem.

Has anyone else seen this behavior before? The particular OVA file imported fine with 6.0. I'm unable to import it via ESXi because it needs to be done via the VC due to an error trying it that way earlier.

The operation failed for an undetermined reason. Typically this problem occurs due to certificates that the browser does not trust. If you are using self-signed or custom certificates, open the URL below in a new browser tab and accept the certificate, then retry the operation.

Screenshot attached


Graham | User Moderator | https://virtualg.uk
11 Replies
2virtual
Contributor
Contributor

Hi, wish I could help but I am seeing the same. Trying to import UnityVSA .ova and get the same error. I've tried extracting the .ova to .ovf and the same issue. Odd this is it's only some .ova, when i tried others like Log Insight I didn't have an issue. VCSA is 6.5 and ESXi 6.0.

If i get any further I'll post back.

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virtualg_uk
Leadership
Leadership

Yes it was the UnityVSA for me too. I resolved by creating a VCSA & Host and importing into that (There is no supported way for Workstation in the documentation)


Graham | User Moderator | https://virtualg.uk
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2virtual
Contributor
Contributor

Thanks virtualg_uk

Luckily my hosts were v6.0 so I could just drop them out of VCSA 6.5 and import OVA onto it then add it back so saved me spinning up a VCSA 6.0

Glad you got it fixed also and a strange one to see just with that specific OVA.

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Bill_Oyler
Hot Shot
Hot Shot

Hello,

I experienced the exact same issue importing an OVF in v6.5 (in my case, it was the VMware VMA appliance).  Fortunately the work-around was pretty simple.  All I needed to do was download the bundle of VMCA root certificates and install them into my PC's "Trusted Root Certification Authorities" list.  Here's the step-by-step (for Windows):

1)  In IE or Chrome, go to vCenter main splash page "Getting Started."  You'll see the usual certificate warning in red -- untrusted certificate warning.  On the far right side, you'll see a gray box labeled "For Administrators."  At the bottom you'll see a link called "Download trusted root CA certificates."  Click this to download a zip bundle of the certificates.

2)  Using the "Certificates" MMC, import each of the certificates into your local computer's "Trusted Root Certification Authorities" container.  In my case, there were (3) certs to import, one for each PSC.  If you haven't done this before, it's documented here:  https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc754841.aspx

3)  When done, re-launch IE or Chrome and access your vCenter using HTTPS by FQDN.  This is important; do NOT use the short name.  This time, you should see the "green lock" and no certificate warnings.  This is because your computer is now trusting your VMCA root certificates.

After following the above procedure, I was able to successfully import my OVF! 

Hope this helps everyone.

Bill

Bill Oyler Systems Engineer
virtualg_uk
Leadership
Leadership

That works also!


Graham | User Moderator | https://virtualg.uk
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virtualg_uk
Leadership
Leadership

Yes I saw a KB on this but it didn't solve my issue


Graham | User Moderator | https://virtualg.uk
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SteveCSchofield
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

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Here is a new one.  I disconnected host, imported same OVA and put back into vCenter.  Host is 5.5, vCenter is 6.5

I imported the root certs, that didn't work.   Have a case open with vmware.  This is the only issue I've run into so far 6.5

VMWARE HELP!

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nevilleonline
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

Cool this resolved my problem. I was having issues uploading a ISO through chrome browser. We had upgraded to vCenter 6.5.

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virtualg_uk
Leadership
Leadership

Did you hear back from VMware support?


Graham | User Moderator | https://virtualg.uk
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BeauTheITPro
Contributor
Contributor

The solution of downloading the VMCA certificate bundle from the VCSA splash page worked!

Thanks!!

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JamieGator32
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

This is what we recently ended up doing.  It really is a band-aid until we can get our 3rd-party certificates installed but it does work.

James F Cruce VCP6.5-DCV Gainesville VMUG Leader http://vmug.com/gainesville @jamescruce http://astgl.com
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