You should be able to run an upgrade install with the Dell customized ESXi .ISO file. This should help address both the VMware side and the Dell hardware side simultaneously. Once the upgrade install is complete, you'll want to make sure to update your software environment, like vCenter. Finally, I'd go ahead and update your firmware. The Dell customized .ISO will have drivers provided for you, so this should be the easiest way.
Thanks so much Dylan, Much appreciated. So this will just be 1 update to get it to version required, and not a stepped approach like I thought it would be? And to confirm, this ISO will have the ESXi software and the BIOS/Firmware ?
There is not an interop matrix for drivers and firmware. The only resource would be the VMware HCL, we use the same HCL. If you update your ESXi installation with the Dell version, drivers will be taken care of by themselves. My recommendation would be tp update the OS with the Dell customized image, then to update your firmware using the bootable firmware ISO, the Lifecycle Controller, or whichever tool you may be more comfortable with. If you want to have your firmware and driver combination reviewed and confirmed, you'll need to either open a support ticket, or check the HCL linked below.
Dell-DylanJ
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June 9th, 2021 09:00
Hello,
You should be able to run an upgrade install with the Dell customized ESXi .ISO file. This should help address both the VMware side and the Dell hardware side simultaneously. Once the upgrade install is complete, you'll want to make sure to update your software environment, like vCenter. Finally, I'd go ahead and update your firmware. The Dell customized .ISO will have drivers provided for you, so this should be the easiest way.
Dell customized 6.7A10 .iso (released Apr 2021): https://dell.to/2TUFLtl
R1ckyG
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June 10th, 2021 00:00
Thanks so much Dylan, Much appreciated. So this will just be 1 update to get it to version required, and not a stepped approach like I thought it would be? And to confirm, this ISO will have the ESXi software and the BIOS/Firmware ?
Dell-Martin S
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June 10th, 2021 06:00
Hi,
no please read the Installation Instructions from Dylans Link and the text file that explains what is included and how to use it.
Regards Martin
R1ckyG
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June 14th, 2021 02:00
Hi There, I have read the instructions and downloaded the custom image from vmware website.
What I want to know, is do I need to upgrade the firmware at all before installing the ESXi, or will it be compatible with my current version?
Dell-Martin S
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June 14th, 2021 03:00
Hi,
we recomend upgrading your Firmware before.
regards Martin
R1ckyG
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June 14th, 2021 04:00
Is there a recommended version to upgrade to? As I said in the OP, I cannot find a operability matrix that helps you with this like HPE etc. does.
Dell-DylanJ
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2.9K Posts
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June 14th, 2021 06:00
Hello,
There is not an interop matrix for drivers and firmware. The only resource would be the VMware HCL, we use the same HCL. If you update your ESXi installation with the Dell version, drivers will be taken care of by themselves. My recommendation would be tp update the OS with the Dell customized image, then to update your firmware using the bootable firmware ISO, the Lifecycle Controller, or whichever tool you may be more comfortable with. If you want to have your firmware and driver combination reviewed and confirmed, you'll need to either open a support ticket, or check the HCL linked below.
https://dell.to/3vnqWfZ