SUMMARY
VMware Instant Recovery fails with 'This ESX server is not associated with a vCenter server. Only audit mode may be used without a vCenter server.'
ISSUE
Description
If you add a new ESX server to the vCenter and then attempt an instant recovery to this server, you see this error when attempting to enter 'Instant Recovery' mode:
Summary: Error communicating with system.
Cause: Call was unsuccessful.
Detail: [System] This ESX server is not associated with a vCenter server. Only audit mode may be used without a vCenter server.
Cause
Although the ESX Server was added to the vCenter, all the database entries are not updated, until a ‘Refresh of Virtual Machines’ is done.
Resolution
Before restoring to a newly added ESX Server to the vCenter, click ‘Refresh Virtual Machines’ before starting the VMware Instant Recovery.