Pre-check fails for image-based remediation via vLCM

Products

• VMware vCenter Server 8.0
• VMware vSphere ESX 8.x

Issue/Introduction

• When performing a pre-check for image-based remediation using vSphere Lifecycle Manager (vLCM), the process fails with the following error message:
  
  Host '<ESXi_Name>' is incompatible with the image. Please check compliance information for more details.
  
  

• Reviewing the error details reveals the following message:
  
  Downgrades of manually added Components <Component_Name> in the desired ESXi version are not supported.
  
  Add the Components of matching or higher versions to the image.

Environment

VMware vCenter Server 8.0

VMware vSphere ESXi 8.0

Cause

This issue occurs because the target ESXi image defined in the vLCM cluster contains a version of a component that is older than the version currently installed on the host.
vLCM does not support automatic downgrades during the remediation process.

Resolution

To resolve this issue, please use one of the following methods:

Option 1: Update the Cluster Image  

Modify the desired image for the cluster to include a version of the component that is equal to or higher than the version currently installed on the ESXi host.

Note: If the required component or update is not yet available in the vSphere Lifecycle Manager (vLCM) depot, you must import it first.

Reference: For detailed steps, please refer to the following documentation:

• • Import Updates to the vSphere Lifecycle Manager Depot
    
    
  • Import an Image
    
    

Option 2: Manually Remove the Component  

If the newer version of the component is no longer required, manually uninstall the component (VIB) from the ESXi host to match the cluster's desired state.

Note: This process typically involves using the ESXCLI command line on the specific host.

Reference: For detailed steps, please refer to the following documentation:

• • Remove VIBs from a Host
    
    

Option 3: Verify Image Compatibility  

Ensure the desired ESXi version or the added vendor add-on includes the appropriate drivers/components that match or exceed the current host state.
This ensures that the cluster image is inherently compatible with the hardware's existing software state.

Additional Information

Japanese KB: vLCM のイメージベースの修正の事前チェックが失敗する (426794)