Step by step to create ESXi customize image

This document is prepared for Dell servers and Intel x550 NIC cards.

Install PowerCLI
Download the driver zip and extract it
a. Go to https://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php
b. Select details as per below screenshot

c. Click on vSphere version example 6.0 U3 from the list.

Sample URL where all above options are already selected:

https://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/detail.php?deviceCategory=io&productid=40779&releaseid=276&deviceCategory=io&details=1&partner=46&releases=276&keyword=x550&deviceTypes=6&page=1&display_interval=10&sortColumn=Partner&sortOrder=Asc

Download ESXi image file ESXi600-201706001.zip
Now, in powercli add driver bundles using Add-EsxSoftwareDepot command

PS E:\share\ESXi-6.0U3a-Customize-ISO> Add-EsxSoftwareDepot -DepotUrl .\VMW-ESX-6.0.0-ixgben-1.7.20-offline_bundle-14161312.zip

Depot URL

zip:E:\share\ESXi-6.0U3a-Customize-ISO\VMW-ESX-6.0.0-ixgben-1.7.20-offline_bundle-14161312.zip?index.xml

Now, in powercli add ESXi bundle using Add-EsxSoftwareDepot command

PS E:\share\ESXi-6.0U3a-Customize-ISO> Add-EsxSoftwareDepot -DepotUrl .\ESXi600-201706001.zip

Depot URL

zip:E:\share\ESXi-6.0U3a-Customize-ISO\ESXi600-201706001.zip?index.xml

Get a list of ImageProfiles so you can choose one to modify.

PS E:\share\ESXi-6.0U3a-Customize-ISO> $ip = Get-EsxImageProfile
PS E:\share\ESXi-6.0U3a-Customize-ISO> $ip

Name                           Vendor          Last Modified   Acceptance Level
----                           ------          -------------   ----------------
ESXi-6.0.0-20170604001-stan... VMware, Inc.    5/18/2017 1:... PartnerSupported
ESXi-6.0.0-20170604001-no-t... VMware, Inc.    5/18/2017 1:... PartnerSupported
ESXi-6.0.0-20170601001s-sta... VMware, Inc.    5/18/2017 1:... PartnerSupported
ESXi-6.0.0-20170601001s-no-... VMware, Inc.    5/18/2017 1:... PartnerSupported

Note: Select the Index which is without s and which starts with -stand. As per highlighted text. Index number 0 may change in your case.

PS E:\share\ESXi-6.0U3a-Customize-ISO> $ip[0]

Name                           Vendor          Last Modified   Acceptance Level
----                           ------          -------------   ----------------
ESXi-6.0.0-20170604001-stan... VMware, Inc.    5/18/2017 1:... PartnerSupported

Create a new image profile by cloning an existing one.

PS E:\share\ESXi-6.0U3a-Customize-ISO> New-EsxImageProfile -CloneProfile $ip[0] -Name AshishProfile -Vendor VMW

Name                           Vendor          Last Modified   Acceptance Level
----                           ------          -------------   ----------------
AshishProfile                  VMW             5/18/2017 1:... PartnerSupported

Now add the ixgben driver VIB to this image profile.

PS E:\share\ESXi-6.0U3a-Customize-ISO> Add-EsxSoftwarePackage -ImageProfile AshishProfile -SoftwarePackage ixgben

Name                           Vendor          Last Modified   Acceptance Level
----                           ------          -------------   ----------------
AshishProfile                  VMW             12/23/2019 1... PartnerSupported

Finally, export the new image profile to ISO or Offline bundle zip.

PS E:\share\ESXi-6.0U3a-Customize-ISO> Export-EsxImageProfile -ImageProfile AshishProfile -FilePath ESXi-6.0U3a-CustomizeISO.iso -ExportToIso

PS E:\share\ESXi-6.0U3a-Customize-ISO> Export-EsxImageProfile -ImageProfile AshishProfile -FilePath mynewprofile.zip -ExportToBundle

Tip: The zip file you created with -ExportToBundle option, can be re-used as the input depot with the Add-EsxSoftwareDepot command.

Finally you will have below 4 files in your folder.

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Step by step to create ESXi customize image

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