PowerEdge: Missing dependency vibs error when upgrading ESXi with Dell Customized ESXi 7.x or 8.x Image

Overview

This technical article explains how to resolve VIB dependency errors when upgrading ESXi on Dell PowerEdge servers using the Dell Custom Image. These procedures help system administrators handle missing dependency errors while maintaining system integrity.

Resolution

You can remove the conflicting VIB manually if it is not in use. After removing the VIB, retry the upgrade. Choose one of these two methods to resolve the issue from the below.

Method 1: Remove the Conflicting VIB

1. List all installed VIBs with this command:

   esxcli software vib list | grep <driver>

   Note: Replace <driver> with your driver name.

   Example command:

   esxcli software vib list | grep net

   Example output:

   net-ixgbe                    4.7.1.2-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922     VMW      VMwareCertified   2018-04-17
   net-nx-nic                   4.7.1.2-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922     VMW      VMwareCertified   2018-04-17

2. Remove the conflicting VIB with this command:

   esxcli software vib remove -n <name of the vib>

   Note: Replace <name of the vib> with your VIB name.

   Example command:

   esxcli software vib remove -n net-ixgbe

   Example output:

   Removal Result
   Message: The update completed successfully, but the system needs to be rebooted for the changes to be effective.
   Reboot Required: true
   VIBs Installed: 
   VIBs Removed: DEL_bootbank_net-ixgbe_4.7.1.2-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922

Method 2: Upgrade with Dell Custom ESXi Image

Follow these steps to upgrade using the Dell Custom ESXi Image:

1. Get the Dell custom image from the VMware Customer Connect Portal:

   Dell EMC Custom Image of VMware ESXi: Download Instructions

2. Transfer the .zip file to your server's datastore using WinSCP.

3. Connect to the server through SSH with root credentials.

4. View available image profiles with this command:

   esxcli software sources profile list -d /vmfs/volumes/[datastore_name]/[ESXi_image_name].zip

   Note: Replace [datastore_name] and [ESXi_image_name] with your specific values.

   Example command:

   esxcli software sources profile list -d /vmfs/volumes/datastore1/VMware-ESXi-7.0U3-18644231.zip

   Example output:

   Name                               Vendor        Acceptance Level
   ---------------------------------  ------------  ----------------
   DellEMC-ESXi-7.0U3-18644231-A00   DellEMC      PartnerSupported

5. Select the Dell OEM profile that matches your hardware.

6. Install the selected profile with this command:

   esxcli software profile install -p [OEM_image_profile_name] -d [datastore_name]/[ESXi_image_name].zip --ok-to-remove

   Note: Replace [OEM_image_profile_name], [datastore_name], and [ESXi_image_name] with your specific values.

   Example command:

   esxcli software profile install -p DellEMC-ESXi-7.0U3-18644231-A00 -d /vmfs/volumes/datastore1/VMware-ESXi-7.0U3-18644231.zip --ok-to-remove

   Example output:

   Update Result
   Message: The update completed successfully, but the system needs to be rebooted for the changes to be effective.
   Reboot Required: true
   VIBs Installed: DEL_bootbank_net-ixgbe_4.7.1.2-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922
   VIBs Removed: VMW_bootbank_net-ixgbe_4.7.1.2-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922

7. Restart your server to complete the installation.