Add ESXi Host to VCSA – Unable to get CSR Error

ESXi, vCenter
  • Shutdown the VCSA 7 VM.
  • ESXi 7 – Host UI – “This host is being managed by vCenter Server. Actions may be performed automatically by vCenter Server without your knowledge.”
  • Disconnect the host.
  • Deploy a new VCSA 8 with a new FQDN (same IP).
  • When adding the ESXi 7 host –
    Add standalone host – A general system error occurred: Unable to get CSR from host
  1. Shut down the new VCSA 8
  2. Update DNS to the old name
  3. Power on the VCSA 7
  4. Properly remove the ESXi host from inventory.