diff --git a/src/esx/esx_driver.c b/src/esx/esx_driver.c
index dff8aa6..2cf733a 100644
--- a/src/esx/esx_driver.c
+++ b/src/esx/esx_driver.c
@@ -1023,6 +1023,8 @@ esxOpen(virConnectPtr conn, virConnectAuthPtr auth,
     priv->supportsLongMode = esxVI_Boolean_Undefined;
     priv->usedCpuTimeCounterId = -1;
 
+    conn->privateData = priv;
+
     /*
      * Set the port dependent on the transport protocol if no port is
      * specified. This allows us to rely on the port parameter being