Symptoms
vCenter / PSC not fully starting after restoring VM from backup.Backup method was an Image Based Backup.Backups using the VAMI file based backup are not impacted.vmon service is masked - thereby not allowing all services managed by vmon to start.Unmasking vmon allows services to start successfully.On reboot vmon becomes masked again.
On a manual start of the services, it fails as below,==================================================#service-control --start --allOperation not cancellable. Please wait for it to finish...Performing start operation on service lwsmd...Service lwsmd startup type is not automatic. SkipPerforming start operation on service vmafdd...Service vmafdd startup type is not automatic. SkipPerforming start operation on service vmdird...Service vmdird startup type is not automatic. SkipPerforming start operation on service vmcad...Service vmcad startup type is not automatic. SkipPerforming start operation on service vmware-sts-idmd...Service vmware-sts-idmd startup type is not automatic. SkipPerforming start operation on service vmware-stsd...Service vmware-stsd startup type is not automatic. SkipPerforming start operation on service vmdnsd...Service vmdnsd startup type is not automatic. SkipPerforming start operation on profile: ALL...Service vmware-vmon startup type is not automatic. SkipService-control failed. Error: Failed to start services in profile ALL. RC=11, stderr=Connect error. ErrCode: 111
Here is how you check if vmon is masked=======================================# systemctl list-unit-files | grep vmware-vmon.servicevmware-vmon.service maskedTo unmask the service=======================================#systemctl unmask vmware-vmon.serviceNote- this will allow you to start the service - but the issue will reoccur on reboot.
Resolution
Run reconciliation operations below after you restore the vCenter appliance from an image based backup.
Navigate to the vCenter Server Management Interface, https://vCenter_FQDN_or_IP:5480 , and click "Set up vCenter Server Appliance" button.
Input the root password and click [LOG IN].
Click [NEXT].
Input SSO user name and password, then click [FINISH].
Reconciliation starts. Wait 15 - 30 minutes to finish.
Reconciliation completes and you will be able to access vSphere Client.
Related Information
"Failed to execute operation: Unit file is masked" when we try to start the service on VCSA 6.5File-Based Backup and Restore of vCenter Server Appliance VMware vCenter Server Appliance 6.7 File-Based Backup & Restore (VIDEO) vCenter Server Appliance 6.7 File-Based Backup and Restore Walkthroughs (VMWARE BLOG)
