ESXi fails to boot with the error: "Error Loading /s.v00" "Fatal Error: 8 (Device Error)"

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

The ESXi host fails to boot following a successful installation or upgrade.

You see the error "Error Loading /s.v00" "Fatal Error: 8 (Device Error)" on the screen: 

Environment

• ESXi 7.x
• ESXi 8.x

Cause

This issue can occur if you are using:

• Hardware that is not listed in the Broadcom Compatibility Guide
• A corrupt ESXi installation file supplied by a vendor
• A vendor-provided USB drive or CD/DVD media that is faulty
• The boot device, such as a USB Flash Drive or SD Flash Card, that is being installed on is corrupt or faulty.
• Incompatible firmware installed on the server
• Incompatible of the FC drivers. 

Resolution

1. Confirm that your hardware is supported and then contact the vendor for replacement media or download the most recent ESXi revision from the Broadcom support portal.
2. Checking your firmware and BIOS levels to ensure compatibility with ESXi