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Applies to: VMware ESXi 4.1

Problem:

You have downloaded and installed the free ESXi 4.1 installable iso file, then installed it on your server. Later you downloaded and installed the vSphere Client 4.1. When you login to ESXi 4.1 using the vSphere Client, it displays a warning that your evaluation license will expire in 60 days.  You can’t find any way to install/assign the license key nor on the server or the vSphere Client.

Solution:

1. Login to the ESXi server using vSphere Client and navigate to Home->Inventory.
2. On the left-hand side, select your host.
3. On the right-hand side, select the “Configuration” tab.
4. Under “Software”, click “Licensed Features”.
5. Click “Edit” on the right top corner.
6. Select “Assign a new license key to this host”, and click “Enter Key”
7. Click OK twice.