Sometimes a pure VMware patch will overwrite the bootbank partition layout. After patching, run:
esxcli system coredump partition list
If the HPE coredump partition (often /dev/disks/...:5) is missing, your hardware support module is corrupted. Re-install the HPE VIB immediately.
If you don't have vCenter, use the ESXi Shell. This is where the "patched" aspect is most prone to error.
Step 1 – Enter Maintenance Mode
esxcli system maintenanceMode set --enable true
Step 2 – Stage the VMware Patch (from VMware depot)
esxcli software sources vib list --depot=https://hostupdate.vmware.com/software/VUM/PRODUCTION/main/vmw-depot-index.xml
esxcli software vib update --depot=https://hostupdate.vmware.com/software/VUM/PRODUCTION/main/vmw-depot-index.xml --vib=esx-base
Wait – do not reboot yet.
Step 3 – Apply the HPE Addon (The missing step) Download the HPE Addon zip to the host (via SCP or wget).
esxcli software vib install --depot=/tmp/HPE-Addon-703.0.0.10.5.3.8-offline-bundle.zip
Step 4 – Reboot and Verify
esxcli system shutdown reboot --reason "HPE patched image update"
Step 5 – Validation After reboot, run:
esxcli software vib list | grep -i hpe
You should see hpe-ams, hpe-ilorest, hpe-smx-provider with the new version numbers.
Also check:
vsish -e get /hardware/support/hpe/hardware_health
If this returns nothing, the HPE VIBs failed to load.
The vSphere Lifecycle Manager (vLCM) cluster was set to "HPE Image" mode. vLCM is the only safe way to patch HPE custom images at scale. Sasha created a new Image Baseline:
Sasha ran a PowerCLI script to disable the arbitrator on all 45 VMs in the cluster.
If you want, I can:
(Invoking related search term suggestions.)
Introduction
HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise) provides custom images for ESXi, a popular hypervisor developed by VMware, to ensure that the host operating system is optimized and patched for specific HPE server configurations. These custom images are designed to simplify the deployment and management of ESXi hosts on HPE servers, providing a secure and reliable foundation for virtualized environments. In this essay, we will discuss the benefits and features of HPE custom images for ESXi patched, and how they enhance the overall virtualization experience.
What is an HPE Custom Image for ESXi?
An HPE custom image for ESXi is a pre-configured and tested image of the ESXi operating system, optimized for specific HPE server models. These images are created by HPE in collaboration with VMware, ensuring that the ESXi host is fully compatible with the underlying HPE server hardware. The custom image includes the ESXi operating system, HPE-specific drivers, and firmware updates, which are tested and validated to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance.
Benefits of HPE Custom Images for ESXi Patched
The HPE custom images for ESXi patched offer several benefits to organizations deploying virtualized environments on HPE servers:
Features of HPE Custom Images for ESXi Patched
The HPE custom images for ESXi patched include several key features:
Conclusion
In conclusion, HPE custom images for ESXi patched provide a secure, reliable, and optimized foundation for virtualized environments on HPE servers. By simplifying deployment, improving security, increasing compatibility, enhancing performance, and reducing downtime, these custom images offer significant benefits to organizations deploying ESXi hosts on HPE servers. With their HPE-specific drivers, firmware updates, ESXi patches, and customized configurations, these images ensure that the ESXi host is fully optimized and patched for specific HPE server configurations. As a result, organizations can confidently deploy and manage virtualized environments on HPE servers, knowing that their ESXi hosts are secure, stable, and performing optimally.
When running VMware ESXi on HPE hardware, using a patched HPE Custom Image is the best way to ensure your servers stay stable, secure, and fully compatible with specialized hardware like Smart Array controllers and specialized NICs . What is an HPE Custom Image?
Standard ESXi ISOs from VMware often lack the specific drivers needed for HPE Gen9, Gen10, and newer servers to even see their storage or network cards during installation . The HPE Custom Image pre-bundles:
Certified Device Drivers: Tailored for HPE-specific network and storage controllers .
Management Tools: Includes the HPE iLO Driver, Agentless Management Service (AMS), and SSACLI for RAID management .
Smart Update Tools: Integrates with HPE Integrated Smart Update Tool (iSUT) to align firmware and driver updates .
Patching ESXi on an HP Proliant - need custom image or patch?
The HPE Custom Image for VMware ESXi is the most reliable and efficient way to deploy and maintain VMware vSphere on HPE ProLiant and Synergy servers. Instead of fighting driver incompatibilities or lacking hardware visibility with the vanilla VMware installer, the HPE Custom Image ships pre-baked with targeted drivers, management agents, and active health monitoring tools specifically tailored to HPE hardware.
Because HPE only releases fully packaged custom images a few times a year, administrators must regularly layer standard VMware security patches or "Rollup" updates on top of these baselines to stay secure. 🚀 Key Benefits of the HPE Custom Image
Day-Zero Hardware Support: Includes necessary out-of-the-box drivers for proprietary HPE storage controllers (like Smart Array) and specialized network interface cards (NICs) not natively supported in the generic VMware ISO.
Deep Hardware Visibility: Integrates the HPE Agentless Management Service (AMS) and active health monitoring directly into the ESXi hypervisor, allowing seamless integration with the HPE iLO (Integrated Lights-Out) interface.
Local Storage Command Tools: Outfitted with utilities like SSACLI to inspect and manage RAID arrays natively from the ESXi shell without a host reboot. hpe custom image for esxi patched
SPP Alignment: Each custom image version maps directly to an HPE Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP), taking the guesswork out of lining up your firmware and software driver versions. 🛠️ The Patching Workflow: HPE Image + VMware Updates VMware ESXi Images for HPE Servers | HPE EUROPE
Patching an HPE custom ESXi image involves applying standard VMware security updates or bug fixes on top of the HPE-specific baseline. While the HPE Custom Image provides the essential drivers and management software for HPE hardware, VMware releases frequent patches that can be safely applied without overwriting these custom components. Methods to Patch HPE Custom ESXi
You can maintain your HPE environment using three primary methods, depending on your infrastructure size and management tools. 1. vSphere Lifecycle Manager (vLCM) - Best for Clusters
For modern environments (vSphere 7.0 and later), vSphere Lifecycle Manager is the recommended standard.
Define the Image: Select the desired VMware ESXi base version (e.g., 8.0 U3) and the specific HPE Vendor Add-on.
Automatic Fetching: vCenter automatically pulls the required drivers from VMware and HPE repositories, eliminating manual downloads.
Compliance Check: Run a pre-check to ensure hardware compatibility before remediation.
Remediate: vLCM handles putting hosts into maintenance mode, installing updates, and rebooting automatically. 2. vSphere Update Manager (VUM) - Using Baselines
If you prefer traditional baselines or are on older versions, you can still use vSphere Update Manager. Installing Updates and Patches on the ESXi Host
Comprehensive Guide to Patching HPE Custom Images for VMware ESXi
Maintaining an optimized and secure virtualization environment on Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) hardware requires more than just standard VMware updates. Using an HPE Custom Image for ESXi ensures your ProLiant or Synergy servers have the specific drivers and management agents needed for peak stability.
This guide explores how to identify, download, and apply patches to these custom images to keep your infrastructure secure and fully supported. Why Use the HPE Custom Image?
Standard VMware ESXi ISOs lack the specific drivers for newer HPE network and storage controllers, especially for Gen9, Gen10, and Gen11 servers. The HPE Custom Image includes:
Optimized Drivers: Critical for hardware stability and performance.
Management Agents: Enables seamless integration with HPE iLO and Intelligent Provisioning.
Simplified Support: Ensures compliance with HPE’s hardware support matrices. How to Find and Download Patched HPE Custom Images
HPE regularly releases updated custom ISOs that incorporate the latest VMware patch levels.
Broadcom Support Portal: Following the transition from VMware Customer Connect, all custom ISOs and addons are hosted on the Broadcom Support Portal. Sometimes a pure VMware patch will overwrite the
HPE Support Center: You can find direct product details and release notes on the HPE Support Center by searching for "HPE Custom Image for VMware ESXi".
Vibsdepot: For individual driver updates and offline bundles, the HPE Software Delivery Repository (vibsdepot) is the authoritative source for VIBs and management utilities. Methods for Patching Your ESXi Hosts
There are three primary ways to apply patches to an ESXi host running an HPE custom image. 1. vSphere Lifecycle Manager (vLCM)
For environments running vSphere 7.0 or 8.0, vSphere Lifecycle Manager is the recommended method.
Declarative Model: You define a "Desired State" including the ESXi version and the HPE Vendor Add-on.
Compliance Checks: vLCM automatically compares your hosts against this image and identifies missing patches or driver updates.
Remediation: vLCM handles the maintenance mode and reboot process automatically to bring the host into compliance. 2. vSphere Update Manager (VUM)
For older versions of ESXi, vSphere Update Manager uses baselines.
Import ISO: Download the latest patched HPE Custom ISO and import it into VUM.
Create Baseline: Create a new "Host Upgrade" baseline using the imported ISO.
Attach and Remediate: Attach the baseline to your cluster, perform a compliance check, and remediate to apply the updates. 3. Command Line (ESXCLI) Upgrade ESXi HPE Custom image to last vmware version
Yes, you can update it via cli by running 'esxcli software vib update'. This does not affect your HPE image. For more information, Broadcom Community
Patching ESXi on an HP Proliant - need custom image or patch?
Patching and Maintaining HPE Custom ESXi Images Maintaining an up-to-date VMware ESXi environment on HPE hardware requires a strategic balance between core VMware security patches and vendor-specific drivers. Using an HPE Custom Image is the best practice for initial installations and major upgrades, as it includes essential drivers for network and storage controllers (especially for Gen9, Gen10, and newer servers) that are missing from standard VMware ISOs. Understanding the Update Hierarchy Updates typically fall into two categories:
Major Updates: Moving from one "Update" release to another (e.g., ESXi 7.0 U2 to U3). These are best handled by downloading and booting from a new HPE Custom ISO.
Minor Patches: Security fixes and minor bug updates released between major "Update" boundaries. HPE does not release a new custom image for every minor VMware patch. Patching Strategies
You can safely apply VMware security patches to a host originally installed with an HPE Custom Image without losing the custom driver configurations, provided you stay within the same major update boundary. 1. vSphere Lifecycle Manager (vLCM) The most efficient method for managed environments.
Patching ESXi on an HP Proliant - need custom image or patch? If the HPE coredump partition (often /dev/disks/