To download and prepare the , you must now use the Broadcom Support Portal , as it has replaced the legacy VMware Customer Connect site. These customized images are essential for HPE servers (like Gen9, Gen10, and Gen10 Plus) because they include specific drivers for storage and network controllers that are not present in the generic VMware image. Step 1: Download the HPE Customized ISO
Deploying VMware vSphere on Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) ProLiant, Synergy, or Apollo hardware requires specialized installation media. Using a standard retail ESXi image often leads to missing network drivers, storage controller errors, and a total lack of hardware monitoring. To ensure your hardware infrastructure functions perfectly, you must deploy the .
A standard ESXi installer only includes generic drivers for mainstream components. In contrast, HPE ProLiant Gen9, Gen10, and Gen11 hardware relies on custom storage controllers, specialized chipsets, and proprietary management modules.
If the installer cannot see your logical drives, you likely used a vanilla VMware ISO instead of the HPE customized version. Re-download the HPE specific ISO containing the smartpqi or hpvsa storage drivers.
Reboot the server, press during POST to access the Boot Menu, and select HPE Virtual CD-ROM to initiate the installer. To download and prepare the , you must
Successfully obtained the VMware-ESXi-7.0.3-<build>-HPE-customized.iso . The image is ready for:
: The HPE ISO already includes bnxtnet (Broadcom) and i40en (Intel for HPE). If still missing, your server may have a FlexFabric adapter – ensure you have the correct HPE ISO for your exact model.
HPE maintains a dedicated portal for vibs, drivers, and custom images.
Click on My Downloads on the left navigation taskbar. Using a standard retail ESXi image often leads
Find the ESXi 7.0 Update 3 image labeled for HPE. (e.g., VMware-ESXi-7.0.3-HPE-Customized-ISO.iso ).
This guide provides a complete walkthrough of the process, from understanding why you need this specific build to downloading, installing, and maintaining it for a stable production environment.
: Open the Broadcom Support Portal and sign in with your credentials.
: VMware ESXi 7.0 Update 3 reached General Support End on October 17, 2023 , and Technical Guidance ends October 17, 2025. Use it only for existing deployments; new ones should consider ESXi 8.0. In contrast, HPE ProLiant Gen9, Gen10, and Gen11
This is the industry standard for deploying OS images on ProLiant servers (Gen10 and Gen11).
Deploying a hypervisor on enterprise-grade hardware requires precision, stability, and seamless integration. For Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) ProLiant servers, using the standard VMware ESXi ISO is rarely the best approach. Instead, administrators rely on the .
Choose VMware Cloud Foundation from the dropdown menu.