License for HP Version of ESXI 5.1

You install the license key on the vsphere server. If you just purchased a server and your trying to add it on the vsphere server that you use to manage all your ESXI hosts and its still not working I would call HP.

I am using the free version (that HP customized) of Esxi - I need to know where to get the key itself - I know where to put it.

Go the vmware website and click on hypervisor, once you login or register you can download ESXi and vmware will provide you with a license key, it doesn't matter whether it's hp build of esxi or generic

Did the FREE key you registered for on VMware not work?

Interestingly, I noticed recently that you needed a "key" to download from the HP website, it's always been a free download.

Did you download the HP version from HP's Website, because it now states:-

       Required Data to enable download:

The VMware HP Partner Activation Codes are in an alpha/numeric format XA42H-XXXXX-U5X4C-XXXXX or XA42H-XXXXX-U5X4C-XXXXX-XXXXX and can be found printed on the Software License Activation Code Certificate (s) you received from HP.

It's possible HP are now doing something different, and you cannot use the free HP version without, a license key from them.

The above key - XA42H-XXXXX-U5X4C-XXXXX-XXXXX looks like a standard VMware ESXi format key.

I did not need a key to download from the HP site.    When I go to my evaluations and click on what I downloaded it says no license key required, yet it has an expiration date.

Attached is the screenshot of my vmware console after I downloaded esxi installable 5.1
vmware-screenshot.docx

when did you download from HP?

I cannot download these anymore from HP without VMware HP Partner Activation Codes, which looks like a VMware ESXi serial number issued by HP!

did you go here and register and download and get an VMware Hypervisor Key?

https://my.vmware.com/web/vmware/evalcenter?p=free-esxi5&lp=default

So your product is currently in 60 day Evaluation State?

I did get a VmWare Hypervisor key at download from the vmware site - but it does not work with the HP download. I downloaded the HP version on Monday, 12/24.

can you send me the link to the HP download site?

is this the URL:-

https://h20392.www2.hp.com/portal/swdepot/displayProductInfo.do?productNumber=HPVM09

no Partner Code required?

If the key that was displayed from the VMware site, does not function, it would seem you would need to knock on HP's door for the key (if available for the free version).

What error do you get when applied?

Here is the download link I used:

https://my.vmware.com/group/vmware/details?downloadGroup=HP-ESXI-5.1.0-GA-10SEP2012&productId=285

Yes, okay I suspected as much, this is from the VMware Website, for people that have Registered their HP Keys with VMware!

This is VMware's website, which this URL

http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/software/vmware/esxi-image.html

re-directs to...

but the original downloads links from HP, you know need to enter a HP Key to download!

So you need to contact HP for a KEY! (if available!)

I successfully downloaded Monday - I guess it changed since then. I did not get a key from HP!!

No it's not changed.

You can purchase VMware ESXi 5.1 with your server, you get the server, SD card or USB key, and piece of paper with the Entitlement Key, this you register with VMware for Support and Upgrades, and can download HP ESXi from VMware, this is a change, because originally you could only download HP OEM ESXi from HP. But VMware only issues keys for it's VMware product.

Using the key supplied with your server, and the download URL, enter the HP key, which entitles you to download HP ESXi. (it's VMware site which is really wrong, because it should not let you download it without a key, I think!)

It depends on how you get the downloads.

If you click Receive for Free, you can only get the download from HP by entering the Key you have from them, on your Certificate from HP.

If you go to VMware, it's assumed, you have already Registered your HP Key with VMware.

either way, the only way to get a HP Key is to now Contact HP!

But I believe, they do not have ANY free keys for ESXi 5.1, only Standard, Enterprise, Enterprise Plus.

Because they are probably thinking if your purchased an expensive server, you'll also be using the Licensed Product, not the free version!

What server do you have?

and do you really need the HP version? (for Hardware Health Status, which you could possibly add manually!)

The link works if you set up an account at vmware.com (free), login and then paste the link in to your browser.

If you key does not look like the following:-

XA42H-XXXXX-U5X4C-XXXXX-XXXXX

I think you will need to Contact HP for a License.

or try and use

ESXi 5.0.

I am not sure I really got answer to my original question, but the solution I posted got me by.