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VMware ESXi 7 — HPE Custom Image Handbook

This handbook provides a comprehensive, actionable guide for obtaining, preparing, and deploying VMware ESXi 7 HPE custom images on supported HPE servers. It covers download sources, verification, image types, installation options, driver/firmware compatibility, creating boot media, offline bundles, upgrade and rollback procedures, post-install configuration, validation, and troubleshooting best practices.

Identify exact server model (e.g., HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10) and current firmware versions (BIOS/iLO, iDRAC-equivalent), RAID controller model, NIC models, and storage controller models.
Confirm ESXi 7.x build level required (7.0 GA, 7.0U1, 7.0U2, etc.).
Review HPE Support Matrix and VMware HCL (Hardware Compatibility List) for your server, storage, and NICs.
Confirm vSphere licensing and entitlement for the chosen ESXi version.
Ensure server hardware meets ESXi 7 requirements (CPU, memory, TPM/secure boot if used).
Backup existing host configuration (host profiles, exported configurations, VM backups, and VMotion/storage migration of VMs).
Plan maintenance window; ensure redundancy (DRS/HA) or ability to evacuate VMs.

Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)

Don’t download the generic ISO from VMware. For HPE ProLiant servers, always use the HPE Custom Image for VMware ESXi 7.0. It includes critical drivers (like smartpqi for storage and bnxtnet for NICs), agents (amsd, ilo), and management tools missing from the vanilla ISO. vmware esxi 7 download iso hpe custom image

, which now hosts all VMware downloads following Broadcom's acquisition. Step-by-Step Download Guide Access the Portal : Navigate to the Broadcom Support Portal Register/Log In VMware ESXi 7 — HPE Custom Image Handbook

The HPE customized image (such as the 7.0 U3 version) includes several critical management tools and drivers: Hewlett Packard Enterprise HPE Management Tools Identify exact server model (e

Part 6: Automating Deployment – HPE Scripted ESXi 7 Installation

For large fleets, HPE provides a Custom Scripted Installation Kit alongside the ISO. You can embed a ks.cfg with the image.

Storage path or multipathing problems:

Using the HPE custom image eliminates guesswork, ensures full hardware compatibility, and keeps both VMware and HPE support on your side.