Cannot Open a Console Session in the VMware VI Client on Windows 8

KB ID 0000677 

Problem

Mostly my conversion to Windows 8 has been pretty painless, the only thing that wont work is the VMware VI client cant open a console session to the VMs on my ESX server.

Error
The VMRC console has disconencted…attempting to reconnect

This happens because the IE10 that comes with Windows 8 does NOT LIKE the requests the VI client is sending to the Internet Explorer plug-in.

Update 08/03/13 – This problem has now been fixed! Download the latest 5.1 version of the VI client. (see screenshot).

Solution

Work-Around 1 Use VMware workstation (Note: scroll down for a permanent fix)

Until either Microsoft or VMware change something then we are stuck! however there is a work around. if you have VMware Workstation (download the trial it will keep you ticking over till the problem is fixed!).

1. Launch VMware workstation > File > Connect to Server > Enter your ESX/vCenter server details > Connect.

Note: You may need to accept the certificate warning if you are using self signed certificates.

2. Now you can open a console session to your virtual machines.

Work-Around 2 Use VMware Guest Console

Download and run VMware Guest Console > Connect to to a host or vCenter, and you can access the guest machines consoles from there.

Permanent Fix

Sorry, the only way to fix this (at time of writing) is to upgrade to vSphere 5.1 AND install the 5.1 version of the vSphere client. (You can’t point the 5.1 client at a 5.0 host, it automatically launches the 5.0 version of the VI client).

Note: You will need to update vCenter to 5.1 as well for that to work!

Problem Resolved

Update to the latest VI client, and the problem will cease.

 

Related Articles, References, Credits, or External Links

NA

Microsoft Lync Install Error “Prerequisite installation failed: Wmf2008R2”

KB ID 0000513 

Problem

Seen Installing Lync Server 2010 on Windows Server 2008 R2, during the “Setup or Remove Lync Server Components” phase of the Deployment Wizard.

Error: Prerequisite installation failed: Wmf2008R2
Details
Type: PreInstallFailed

Solution

Thankfully this is a know problem and Microsoft has addressed it with KB 2522454

1. Drop to command line and issue the following command:

[box]%systemroot%system32dism.exe /online /add-package /packagepath:%windir%servicingPackagesMicrosoft-Windows-Media-Format-Package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~6.1.7601.17514.mum /ignorecheck[/box]

2. Then reboot as instructed, and continue the installation.

Related Articles, References, Credits, or External Links

NA