VM backups failing with INTERNAL65535 due to issues with nvram entry in the vmx
Problem description
VM backups failing with Error: INTERNAL65535
Cause
VM was converted from Physical to Virtual Machine causing issues with nvram entry in the vmx file.
Traceback
[2024-02-18 23:03:08,597] [INFO] VMX fpath: [Unity_Datastore02] BTC-SVR-BLACKHOLE/BTC-SVR-BLACKHOLE.vmx
[2024-02-18 23:03:08,598] [ERROR] Error <type 'exceptions.TypeError'>:cannot concatenate 'str' and 'NoneType' objects. Traceback -Traceback (most recent call last):
File "agents/vmware/vmwareAgent.py", line 1766, in do_retry
File "agents/vmware/vmwareAgent.py", line 1952, in get_nvram_from_datastore
File "agents/vmware/vmwareAgent.py", line 1939, in __get_nvram_path
TypeError: cannot concatenate 'str' and 'NoneType' objects
Resolution
Re-register the VM using the vmx file:
- Locate the VMX file of the affected VM.
- Open vCenter and navigate to the relevant datacenter and host.
- Right-click on the host and select "Browse Datastore."
- Upload the VMX file to the datastore.
- Right-click on the uploaded VMX file and select "Register VM."
If the issue persists, follow the workaround:
Workaround: Re-creating the VM using the existing disk:
- Shutdown the affected VM.
- Verify the absence of a generic nvram file.
- Add the following nvram parameter to the VM configuration file (VMX): nvram = "<vm name>.nvram"
- Power on the VM.
- Run a backup for the system to ensure data integrity.
Alternate Procedure for Workaround:
- Shutdown the VM.
- Confirm the absence of a generic nvram file.
- Edit the VMX file and add the nvram parameter: nvram = "<vm name>.nvram"
- Power on the VM.
- Perform a system backup to safeguard your data.
Additional Notes:
- Always ensure that you have a recent backup before making any changes to the VM configuration.
- The workaround provides an alternative method for resolving registration issues by recreating the VM using the existing disk.