Upgrading VMware Horizon View with Composer: The RSA Key Containers Was Not Found Error

As a VMware administrator, I recently faced an issue while upgrading our Horizon View environment using Composer. During the upgrade process, I encountered an error message that read “The RSA key containers was not found.” After investigating the matter, I realized that this issue is caused by Microsoft Windows user and computer accounts storing their certificate key pairs in a specific directory. In this blog post, I will explain the cause of this issue, its resolution, and provide some additional information on Composer upgrades.

Cause of the Issue

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The “The RSA key containers was not found” error occurs when attempting to upgrade VMware Horizon View with Composer, and it is caused by the fact that Microsoft Windows user and computer accounts store their certificate key pairs in the following directory:

C:ProgramDataMicrosoftCryptoRSAMachineKeys

The issue arises when the upgrading process requires access to these key pairs, but the user running the upgrade does not have the necessary permissions to access this directory. As a result, the upgrade fails with the error message mentioned above.

Resolution of the Issue

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To resolve this issue, you can perform one of the following actions:

1. Grant the appropriate permissions to the user running the Composer upgrade process to access the C:ProgramDataMicrosoftCryptoRSAMachineKeys directory. This can be done by adding the user to the local Administrators group or assigning them explicit permissions to the directory.

2. Use a different account with the necessary permissions to run the Composer upgrade process. This can be done by creating a new account with administrative privileges and using that account to run the upgrade process.

3. Export the RSA key pair from the C:ProgramDataMicrosoftCryptoRSAMachineKeys directory to a different location, such as a USB drive or a network share, and then import it back into the upgraded environment. This will allow you to preserve the key pair during the upgrade process without requiring access to the specific directory.

Additional Information on Composer Upgrades

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Composer upgrades are an essential part of maintaining a healthy and secure VMware Horizon View environment. However, it is crucial to understand the potential risks involved in upgrading your environment. Before proceeding with any upgrades, I recommend reviewing the following resources:

1. VMware Knowledge Base Article: Upgrading VMware Horizon View with Composer

2. VMware Documentation: Composer Upgrade and Installation Guide

3. VMware Community: Composer Upgrade and Troubleshooting Discussions

These resources provide in-depth information on the upgrade process, potential risks, and troubleshooting tips to ensure a successful upgrade. Additionally, it is essential to have a comprehensive backup and recovery plan in place before attempting any upgrades, as they can be complex and time-consuming.

Conclusion

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In conclusion, the “The RSA key containers was not found” error that occurs during Composer upgrades of VMware Horizon View is caused by Microsoft Windows user and computer accounts storing their certificate key pairs in a specific directory. To resolve this issue, you can grant appropriate permissions to the user running the upgrade process or use a different account with the necessary permissions. Additionally, it is crucial to have a comprehensive backup and recovery plan in place before attempting any upgrades. By understanding the cause of this issue and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure a successful Composer upgrade for your VMware Horizon View environment.