ESXi fails to boot with the error: "Error Loading /s.v00 Fatal Error: 8 (Device Error)"

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

Symptoms:

• ESXi does not boot after completing the installation/ upgrade.
• You see the below error on the screen:
  

Environment

VMware vSphere ESXi 6.x

VMware vSphere ESXi 7.x

Cause

This issue can occur if you are using:

• Hardware that is not listed in the VMware Hardware Compatibility Guide
• A corrupt ESXi installation file supplied by a vendor
• A vendor-provided USB drive or CD/DVD media that is faulty
• The boot device, such as a USB Flash Drive or SD Flash Card, that is being installed on is corrupt or faulty.

Resolution

To resolve this issue, confirm that your hardware is supported and then contact the vendor for replacement media or download the most recent ESXi revision from the Broadcom Download Center.