ESXi Update Error: 'Do not use the non-critical baseline to update ESXi 7.0GA - 7.0U hosts'

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

vSphere Lifecycle Manager (vLCM) fails to update ESXi hosts when using a baseline image originating from a build earlier than ESXi 7.0 Update 2c, even if the image has been patched to a newer build.

Environment

- vSphere 7.0 or later
- ESXi hosts running version 7.0 or later
- vSphere Lifecycle Manager

Cause

vLCM is designed to prevent updates using baseline images based on builds older than ESXi 7.0 Update 2c. This design choice aims to ensure system integrity and compatibility but can cause issues when attempting to update hosts using older baseline images, even if those images have been patched to newer builds.

Resolution

To resolve this issue, create a new baseline using an ESXi ISO image version 7.0 Update 2c or later, then update your hosts using this new baseline. Follow these steps:

1. Download a new ESXi ISO image (version 7.0 Update 2c or later) from the VMware website.

2. In the vSphere Client, navigate to Lifecycle Manager.

3. Select the "Imported ISOs" tab.

4. Click "Import ISO" and select the newly downloaded ESXi ISO.

5. Once imported, go to the "Baselines" tab.

6. Click "New" and select "Create a new baseline."

7. Name the baseline and select "Host Upgrade" as the baseline type.

8. Choose the newly imported ISO as the upgrade image.

9. Add any necessary additional VIBs or drivers to the baseline.

10. Attach the new baseline to your hosts or clusters and proceed with the update process.

Additional Information

- Regularly renewing your baseline images with fresh base images can help prevent similar issues in the future.