Install or Upgrade VMware ESXi from HPE iLO

Install or Upgrade VMware ESXi from HPE iLO

There are multiple ways to install or upgrade VMware ESXi. In the past, we have discussed how to upgrade ESXi via the HP Onboard Administrator, VMware Update Manager, and ESXCLI.

Today, we will walk through the ESXi upgrade process from HPE Integrated Lights-Out (iLO). If you are unfamiliar with iLO, it is HPE’s lights out management flavor to manage servers remotely.

Install or Upgrade ESXi from HPE iLO

To begin, launch an iLO Remote Console Session.

HPE iLO

In this instance, the ESXi image resides locally. As this is the case, we will remotely mount the image via iLO to the server. To do so, click Virtual Drives and select Image File.

iLO Drive Mount

Locate the local ESXi ISO and select Open.

iLO Drive Location

In order to boot from the image, we will reboot the server. Select the Power Switch menu item and click Reset.

iLO Reboot

If you are unfamiliar with the HP Power Switch options, here is a quick rundown.

  • Momentary Press—Similar to pressing the physical power button. Depending on the OS configuration, this can initiate a graceful shutdown.
  • Press and Hold—Similar to holding the physical power button for 5 seconds and then releasing it.
  • Reset—Will force the server to warm-boot.
  • Cold Boot— Similar to pulling the power from the server (immediately removes power).

After the host boots, Continue with the ESXi installation.

ESXi Install 6.5

Press F11 to accept the EULA.

ESXi 6 EULA

Select the disk to upgrade and press Enter. If you are unsure if there is currently an ESXi install on the storage disk, press F1 to view the device details.

ESXi Storage 6.5

If an installation of ESXi is found, you will be prompted to upgrade or install new.

ESXi Install Upgrade

Press F11 to begin the upgrade.

ESXi F11 Upgrade

Upgrade ESXi

Once the upgrade is completed, you will be prompted to remove the installation media and then reboot.

ESXi Upgrade Complete

Before hitting Enter, select the Virtual Drives menu item and uncheck the Image File. Now, navigate back to the console and hit Enter to reboot the server.

iLO Drive Unmount

After the server reboots, you are ready to configure ESXi!

VMware – vSphere Upgrade Documentation

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