If you have an existing key, the process for applying it to your ESXi 5.5 host is straightforward:
When the evaluation period expires, existing virtual machines continue running without interruption. However, you cannot power on disconnected VMs, create new VMs, or alter the virtual hardware configuration of existing workloads until you apply a valid license key. vSphere 5.5 Standard vs. Enterprise vs. Enterprise Plus
If you have an existing key, the process for applying it to your ESXi 5.5 host is straightforward:
When the evaluation period expires, existing virtual machines continue running without interruption. However, you cannot power on disconnected VMs, create new VMs, or alter the virtual hardware configuration of existing workloads until you apply a valid license key. vSphere 5.5 Standard vs. Enterprise vs. Enterprise Plus license key vmware esxi 5.5