Windows error after upgrading a virtual machine: This hardware device is not connected to the computer (Code 45)
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Windows error after upgrading a virtual machine: This hardware device is not connected to the computer (Code 45)

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Article ID: 302583

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Updated On:

Products

VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

Symptoms:
  • In the Local Area Connection properties for a Windows virtual machine, you see the error:

    This hardware device is not connected to the computer (Code 45)

  • This issue occurs if you:
  • Upgrade your Windows virtual machine from ESX/ESXi 3.5 to ESX/ESXi 4.1
  • Upgrade the virtual machine hardware version from 4 to 7.


Environment

VMware ESXi 4.1.x Installable
VMware ESXi 4.1.x Embedded
VMware ESXi 4.0.x Installable
VMware ESXi 4.0.x Embedded
VMware ESXi 3.5.x Installable
VMware ESXi 3.5.x Embedded
VMware ESX 4.1.x
VMware ESX 4.0.x
VMware ESX Server 3.5.x

Cause

During the upgrade, the vmUpgradeHelper application updates the adapter hardware pointers to software. This issue occurs if the software pointers to hardware do not get upgraded. The network card functions, but can cause inconsistency in network configuration.

Resolution

This issue is resolved in ESX/ESXi 4.1 Update 2. You can download ESX/ESXi 4.1 Update 2 from the VMware Download Center.
If you cannot upgrade to ESX/ESXi 4.1 Update 2, you can workaround the issue by removing the Network Adapter and adding a new Network Adapter:
  1. Connect vSphere Client directly to the host or to the vCenter Server.
  2. Right-click the virtual machine and choose Edit Settings.
  3. Click the network adapter and click Remove.
  4. Click OK.
  5. Right-click the virtual machine and choose Edit Settings.
  6. Click Add.
  7. Choose Ethernet Adapter and click Next.
  8. Under Adapter Type choose the appropriate option.
  9. If applicable for your environment, select the appropriate Network Connection.
  10. Under Device Status, select Connect at power on.
  11. Click Next, review the settings, and click Finish.


Additional Information

Note: Is has been reported that NLB (Network Load Balancing) may be impacted as a result of the error message outlined in the KB symptoms.

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