"vSphere HA agent install failed" after upgrading OEM-based ESXi host with standard ISO

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

• After the ESXi is upgraded, it fails to install the vSphere HA Agent on the host.

 /var/run/log/esxupdate.log will have the following entries

YYYY-DD-MMT00:39:01Z esxupdate: 2266350: esxupdate: ERROR: vmware.esximage.Errors.DependencyError: VIB DEL_bootbank_dell-configuration-vib_##-## requires esx-version << 7.0, but the requirement cannot be satisfied within the ImageProfile. 
YYYY-DD-MMT00:39:01Z esxupdate: 2266350: esxupdate: ERROR: VIB QLC_bootbank_qedentv-ens_##-#OEM.### requires qedentv_ver = X.##.#.#, but the requirement cannot be satisfied within the ImageProfile. 
YYYY-DD-MMT00:39:01Z esxupdate: 2266350: esxupdate: ERROR: VIB DellEMC_bootbank_dellemc-osname-idrac_##-## requires esx-version << 7.0, but the requirement cannot be satisfied within the ImageProfile. 
YYYY-DD-MMT00:39:01Z esxupdate: 2266350: esxupdate: ERROR: VIB QLC_bootbank_qedi_#.###-1OEM.### requires qedentv_ver = X.##.#.#, but the requirement cannot be satisfied within the ImageProfile. 
YYYY-DD-MMT00:39:01Z esxupdate: 2266350: esxupdate: ERROR: VIB QLC_bootbank_qedf_#.#.#.#-##OEM.### requires qedentv_ver = X.##.#.#, but the requirement cannot be satisfied within the ImageProfile.

 

 

Cause

The ESXi host was originally deployed with a custom image but was later upgraded using a standard ISO. In such cases, vendor-specific VIBs are not updated to versions compatible with the target ESXi release. As a result, if any incompatible VIBs remain, the HA configuration may fail due to the FDM VIB installation being blocked by these incompatibilities.

Resolution

When performing upgrades, it is advised to use the appropriate custom ESXi image.

To remediate the host, apply one of the following workarounds:

• Upgrade using the correct custom ESXi image, or

• Remove or update all incompatible VIBs to versions that are compatible with the target ESXi release.

Note: All incompatible VIBs must be addressed in a single operation. Partial remediation may result in errors due to remaining incompatible VIBs.

Example:
esxcli software vib remove -n dell-configuration-vib -n dellemc-osname-idrac -n qedentv-ens -n qedf -n qedi

Additional Information

If the VIBs are provided by the OEM, it is recommended to consult the server hardware vendor to confirm the purpose and usage of each VIB. If any VIBs are not actively used by the hardware, they can be considered for removal. For those that are required, the vendor should be contacted to obtain compatible driver versions for the target ESXi release.


For guidance on installing or removing VIBs, refer to
How to download and install async drivers in VMware ESXi