This error is caused when your Virtual Center Client application cannot directly (over IP) connect to your ESX host. I see this a lot of times when you are installing the VMVC Client on a new workstation.
The “fix” is very easy:
1) Add your ESX hosts into DNS. -not a bad idea in the first place
*** OR ***
2) Edit your Microsoft Windows hosts file to add your ESX servers for name resolution.
* Found in “C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\host” — Just edit with notepad.exe
3) Reopen your client and try again.
Now, if you are traversing a firewall, you may need to open some ports: All the ports needed are open (80, 443, 902, 903).
You may also need to take a look at this VM Communities post, if you are having problems with a “Blank” console screen: http://communities.vmware.com/message/671489 – Also, checkout http://communities.vmware.com/message/533696
Thanks,
Will
