How to update/upgrade VMware vSphere ESXi from zip file
We performed an upgrade from version 6.7 directly to 8.0.3 in a single step on a Dell PowerEdge server. The same process was also successfully used to update vSphere 8.0.2 (Build XXXX) to 8.0.3 (Build XXXX).
Typically, every six months or so we reach out to Dell Enterprise Support, as Dell is the vendor for the servers we manage. This collaboration ensures that all systems are up to date with the latest drivers, BIOS, and firmware. Prior to applying any VMware updates, we always verify compatibility between the new ESXi versions and the underlying hardware.
STEPS:
Find the appropriate Dell customized zip file from VMware/Broadcom support site and download.
Read the Release Notes.
Download the 8.0.3 build xxxx zip file into your PC.
Connect to the host running ESXi via a browser (usually we connect to host not vCenter)
Browse the Data Store.
Create a folder on Data Store to upload the zip file to, and upload it.
Enable SSH to the host from the host itself or through vCenter.
Shutdown all VMs running on host.
Place the host in Maintenance Mode.
SSH to host and login using root.
Type:
CD /
Now suppose the name and location of the uploaded zip file is:
vmfs/volumes/SAN1-Vol01/Updates/VMware-VMvisor-Installer-8.0.0.update03-24022510.x86_64-Dell_Customized-A00.zip
In the past, we used the vmware images not the customized vendor/Dell images to update, and with that the command to update would look like the following:
esxcli software vib update -d /vmfs/volumes/SAN1-Vol01/Updates/VMware-VMvisor-Installer-8.0.0.update03-24022510.x86_64-Dell_Customized-A00.zip
But when we tried it with 8.0.3 while using the Dell customized image, we got the following error:
ESXi version change is not allowed using esxcli software vib commands. Please use a supported method to upgrade ESXi.
We had to use a different command that included what is called the profile name stored inside the zip file instead of using vib .
To find out the name of the profile you would type:
esxcli software sources profile list -d /vmfs/volumes/SAN1-Vol01/Updates/VMware-VMvisor-Installer-8.0.0.update03-24022510.x86_64-Dell_Customized-A00.zip
Suppose the name of the profile listed is:
DEL-ESXi_803.24022510-A00
The you would type the following to update:
esxcli software profile update -p DEL-ESXi_803.24022510-A00
—depot=/vmfs/volumes/SAN1-Vol01/Updates/VMware-VMvisor-Ins..A00.zip
There are two dashes “-” above right before the “depot=” but they may appear as one in this browser session.
After it is finished, scroll up and make sure it says that the update was successful and you need to reboot.
Reboot, and once fully up, take out the host of Maintenance Mode and start the VMs. Stop SSH for security purposes.
Consult VMware and Dell support on your update