KB43: OPERATION NOT ALLOWED

This is a generic error, but in most cases it is the symptom of a failed vMotion migration operation.

When performing a vMotion, you see this compatibility error: Unable to migrate from <source server> to <destination server>: The operation is not allowed in the current state.

This issue can occur if the ESX/ESXi host or a virtual machine is in an unexpected state.

Troubleshooting:

To work around the issue, perform one of these options:

  • Cancel any existing task from the VMware Infrastructure Client.
  • Wait until any pending tasks are complete.
  • Restart the VMware vCenter Server service.
  • Restart management agents of the host.
  • Disconnect and reconnect the host to the vCenter Server.
  • Start the host if it was powered off.

Read also the following VMware knowledge base article.

Posted in: VMware vSphere