ESX host loses network connectivity after running "esxcli software vib remove" on NSX VIBs

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi
• VMware NSX

Issue/Introduction

• The removal of NSX VIBs using esxlci software vib remove is not supported. The nsx del nsx command is the only method for the manual removal of NSX VIBs.
• A need to remove NSX VIBs from a host is identified.
• The removal is performed using esxcli software vib remove instead of using nsxcli -c del nsx.
• The host may not connect with the network or be able to realize network configurations.
• If nsxcli -c del nsx fails, address the issue problem causing the failure.
• The only method of recover for this situation is to reimage the host.

Environment

VMware NSX
vSphere

Cause

• Attempting to uninstall NSX VIBs using unsupported procedures can result in unexpected behaviors and outcomes.  To avoid the need to do any of the below, follow the uninstall guide.

Resolution

Reimage the host.

Additional Information

• This KB Attempting to uninstall NSX VIBS from an ESX host while they are still in use causes network connectivity issues is the method to follow when addressing nsxcli -c del nsx  errors.
• If the host is part of a Dell VXRail implementation, Dell maybe needed to provide documentation and confirmation of the next steps.