VMware Tools Version 10.3.0 Recall and Workaround Recommendations

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

Symptoms:
VMware has been made aware of issues in some vSphere ESXi 6.5 configurations with the VMXNET3 network driver for Windows that was released with VMware Tools 10.3.0.
As a result, VMware has recalled the VMware Tools 10.3.0 release. This release has been removed from the VMware Downloads page.

Cause

In certain configurations, the VMXNET3 driver released with VMware Tools 10.3.0 can result in a Purple Diagnostic Screen (PSOD) or guest network connectivity loss.

Resolution

Due to the severity of issues identified in the VMXNET3 driver released with VMware Tools 10.3.0, VMware has recalled this release and it is no longer available for download.

Action is required if you have deployed VMware Tools 10.3.0 and all of the following are true:

• vSphere ESXi 6.5 hosts
• VM Hardware Version 13
• Windows 8/Windows Server 2012 or higher guest OS

If this is the case, then VMware recommends upgrading to VMware Tools 10.3.2 immediately.
If the above criteria are not met, VMware recommends upgrading to VMware Tools 10.3.2 during routine maintenance.
VMware Tools 10.3.2 is available from the VMware Downloads page.

Additional Information

Note: If importing a VM with hardware version 13 from VMware Workstation/Fusion or via OVF to a vSphere ESXi 6.5 environment, ensure that VMware Tools 10.3.0 is not installed in that VM or immediately upgrade the VMware Tools version to 10.3.2.

Impact/Risks:
Potential ESXi host crash