How to Fix VMware vCenter Installation Errors – Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

When installing VMware vCenter Server using only IP addresses in an environment without domain control or DNS, there are often inexplicable errors. In my opinion, these are mostly network-related errors, specifically DNS issues. Today, I'll demonstrate the installation process of vCenter Server, where some critical steps cannot be overlooked—they are key to success or failure! Screenshots of key steps.

Operation Steps:

1. Run the vCenter Server UI installer and click "Install"

2. Click Next

3. Accept the agreement and click Next

4. Enter which ESXi host to deploy vCenter on, including the ESXi IP address and account credentials

5. Accept the certificate fingerprint

6. Enter the vCenter VM name (i.e., the display name in ESXi)

7. Set the deployment size for vCenter; choose according to needs

8. Select storage and enable "Thin Disk Mode" (recommended), where disk space isn't allocated immediately but as needed

9. This step is crucial: first, select the port group. Without DNS, enter the same IP address for both FQDN and IP address—this IP is vCenter's IP. Do not leave the FQDN blank. For DNS Server, enter 0.0.0.0. Fill in other details as appropriate.

10. Confirm the information and click Finish

11. Wait for deployment

12. After the first phase completes, click Continue

13. You can proceed via the UI, but sometimes there's a bug preventing you from clicking Next. In such cases, open a browser and go to https://vCenter_IP:5480 (e.g., https://172.19.31.60:5480), verify the password, and proceed.

14. Click "Installer"

15. Click Next

16. Confirm the information; you may need to re-enter 0.0.0.0 for DNS servers. For time synchronization, usually select "Synchronize time with ESXi host." Enable SSH access as needed, then click Next.

17. Enter the SSO domain (typically vsphere.local) and the SSO password, which is the password for logging into the vCenter management interface.

18. Opt out of CEIP (Customer Experience Improvement Program) and click Next.

19. Review the configuration and click Finish.

20. Click Confirm.

21. Wait for the second phase of installation and deployment.

22. Deployment complete.

Why vCenter Installation Fails

VMware vCenter is the core of vSphere management, but installation can fail due to:

• Insufficient system resources (CPU, RAM, disk)

• DNS and hostname resolution issues

• Unsupported OS or vCenter version mismatch

• Database connection errors

• Corrupted installation media or ISO

Best Practices for Smooth vCenter Deployment

• Always check VMware Compatibility Matrix before installation.

• Use static IP & DNS entries (avoid DHCP for vCenter).

• Keep firewall rules open for required vCenter ports.

• Apply the latest patches to avoid known bugs.

• Snapshot or backup the host before the deployment attempt.