vSphere 60 day evaluation: no license key anymore?

[EricTrentMiller]

i evaluated vCenter about a year ago, and I could have sworn they gave a 60 day license key with it?

The eval version I just downloaded and installed did not have a license key, and won't do vMotion, etc.

is that correct?

[schepp]

In the vCenter Server settings( vSphere Client: Administration -> vCenter Server Settings ) you can choose the evaluation mode. It says "no license key" but you can choose it until the 60 days have passed.

Regards

[idle-jam]

if you have downloaded before you will not receive the license key anymore. unless the work around would be getting your colleague to get the trial.

[unexpected]

If you are able to logon to the Partner Central website, you can get trial keys every 60 days and replace the expired ones with new ones...

[jose_maria_gonz]

Hi Eric,

Just out of curiosity, what version of vCenter did you download?

Jose Maria Gonzalez

--------------------------------------------------------

Web: http://www.jmgvirtualconsulting.com

Blog: http://www.josemariagonzalez.es

Twitter: http://twitter.com/jose_m_gonzalez

Author of 101 Secretos de VMware vSphere

VCI, VCP4, VCP3, VCP2, RHCE, MCSE, vExpert 2009, 2010

[a_p_]

Eric,

For vCenter Server as well as ESX(i) you don't need a license key in the first 60 days. If you don't enter a license key, the installation automatically defaults to the evaluation mode.

The eval version I just downloaded and installed did not have a license key, and won't do vMotion, etc.

That's strange. Can you make sure both, vCenter as well as the hosts are still in the evaluation period? Do you get any error messages or is vMotion greyed out?

André

[EricTrentMiller]

thanks andre.

my ESX hosts are all using the Free license key, not evaluation mode. 

My vCenter is indeed in evaluation mode.

do i need to switch my ESX hosts back to eval mode (or enter my free ESX key in vCenter?)

[a_p_]

do i need to switch my ESX hosts back to eval mode

Yes. The free license does not include the enterprise features like vMotion.

André

[EricTrentMiller]

understood.

three questions then:

does the eval mode of ESX also expire after 60 days?

(if above is yes) can I switch my ESX hosts back to the free key that doesn't expire when the 60 days is up?

what is the purpose of the free ESX key then?

[a_p_]

does the eval mode of ESX also expire after 60 days?

Yes, same eval period after installation.

(if above is yes) can I switch my ESX hosts back to the free key that doesn't expire when the 60 days is up?

Yes, you can switch licenses any time. However the free license is not supported in a vCenter Server configuration. (Even though this may work during the eval period of vCenter Server)

what is the purpose of the free ESX key then?

Saving money. If you only need a single host (or multiple single hosts) without the need to be managed by vCenter, you can use the free license.

André

[EricTrentMiller]

man i really wish they'd fix the helpful/correct buttons.  I have a lot of catching up to do when they do....

[JudedeDude]

Beaware once you have installed and launch vCenter for the first time the eval license still continues to count down even when you are not using it. Therefore you cannot switch between eval and license version after the 60 days has expired

[idle-jam]

do remember my share of points :smileysilly:. anyway good luck with your testing.

[EricTrentMiller]

its still broken.  :smileysad:

[JudedeDude]

Hi Eric,

Tell me or show me more, such as any errors on your screen/screen shots etc

[schepp]

JudedeDude schrieb:

Hi Eric,

Tell me or show me more, such as any errors on your screen/screen shots etc

I think he means the reward points for helpful answeres is still broken and his problem is solved :smileywink: