Move a Licensed host to unlicensed vCenter (Evaluation)

[shenoyg]

Hi all,

We have a situation where we want to move one of our hosts from the infrastructure to another vCenter in a VM, which is unlicensed, i.e., its on a evaluation license.

So the question is, can we remove the Host [which is licensed and added to a licensed vCenter] and retain the license. And then add it to the new vCenter, which is unlicensed, just for a few days (may even be just a few hours) And then again add this host back to the Licensed vCenter and reclaim its old license?

Also, if this is possible, does anyone see a problem with this? or a problem if this is done too many times?

[vHaridas]

You can move licensed host to unlicensed vCenter.

I do not see any issue as long as ESXi host is licensed.

Only if evaluation period get expired you will not be able to manage esxi host from vCenter.

as you mentioned you need it for few days only so that's fine, it will work.

Thanks,

Haridas

[shenoyg]

Thank you for the quick response.

Following what you said, I tried moving the "Licensed" host to the new "Unlicensed" vCenter. But it says, "..the configuration on the existing vCenter Server may become non compliant..". So do you recommend removing the license for the host and then moving it?
[I just want to be sure and do not want to take risks with licensing]

Thanks and Regards,

Giridhar Shenoy

[vHaridas · Accepted solution]

In old vCenter 'disconnect' Host and then remove it.

Go to new vCenter and add removed ESXi host as normally you add any ESXi host.

Note, if you are using dvswitch for ESXi Host and VM connection, then before disconnecting ESXi Host in old vCenter, you need to migrate VMs and Host from dvSwitch to Standard Switch.

Thanks,

Haridas

[shenoyg]

Thanks again.

Ill try that and I think that should work fine.

And thats a really good point about the Distributed switch. Fortunately I dont have any such complications