Hardware information in ESXi host summary showing as "Default String" or improper serial number

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi 7.0
• VMware vSphere ESXi 8.0
• VMware vCenter Server 7.0
• VMware vCenter Server 8.0

Issue/Introduction

• In the vCenter and the ESXi UI, under Hardware, the Manufacturer and Model shows "Default String" or an improper serial number
  
  
  
  
• Reboot of the ESXi host displays the incorrect values

Environment

VMware vSphere ESXi 7.0
VMware vSphere ESXi 8.0
VMware vCenter Server 7.x
VMware vCenter Server 8.x

Cause

The esxcli command retrieves hardware information from the system's firmware via the SMBIOS (System Management BIOS) records. The values displayed by esxcli are directly sourced from these SMBIOS records, which are provided by the system's firmware during boot.

It is important to note that if the displayed values are incorrect or outdated, this indicates that the firmware may not have the latest or accurate information. In such cases, it is recommended to reach out to the hardware vendor or manufacturer to ensure that the system's firmware is up-to-date. The vendor may need to provide a firmware update or patch to correct any discrepancies in the SMBIOS records.

For example, incorrect CPU model, memory, or manufacturer information in the esxcli output is typically due to inaccurate or incomplete SMBIOS records. Once the firmware is updated, the correct values should be reflected in subsequent queries using esxcli.

Resolution

Option 1

1. SSH to the ESXi host via root
2. Enter in:
   
   vsish
   
   
3. Enter in:
   
   get /hardware/bios/dmiInfo
   
   Example Output:
   System Information (type1) {
Product Name: Default String <--- Product name is set by Firmware 
   Vendor Name: Default String
Serial Number: Default String <--- Serial number is also set by Firmware   
   
   
4. Exit vsish mode by entering:
   
   q

Option 2

1. SSH to the ESXi host via root
2. Run the command:
   
   esxcli hardware platform get 
   
   Example Output:
   
   Platform Information
UUID: #####
Product Name: Default string
Vendor Name: Vendor
Serial Number: Default string
Enclosure Serial Number: Default string
BIOS Asset Tag: Default string
IPMI Supported: true