SSH into the ESXi host and run:
esxcli software vib list | grep -i hpe
You should see packages like:
Go to: https://myenterpriselicense.hpe.com/cwp-ui/software or use the direct support search at https://support.hpe.com.
Solution: The HPE ISO already includes bnxtnet (Broadcom) and i40en (Intel for HPE). If still missing, your server may have a FlexFabric adapter – ensure you have the correct HPE ISO for your exact model.
If you specifically need 7.0 Update 3 for compatibility reasons:
For new projects, use:
Objective:
To successfully download the HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise) customized ISO image for VMware ESXi 7.0 Update 3, intended for deployment on HPE ProLiant servers.
Background:
HPE provides customized ESXi images containing additional drivers, agents (such as amsd, hp-smx-provider, iLO SNMP), and management tools optimized for HPE hardware. Using the generic VMware ISO on HPE servers can lead to missing drivers (e.g., for Smart Array controllers, network adapters) or unsupported hardware. The correct image ensures stability, full hardware recognition, and manageability via iLO and HPE OneView.
Steps Performed:
Locate the ESXi 7.0 Update 3 Image
Identify the Correct ISO File
Download the ISO
Verify Integrity (Optional but Recommended)
Outcome:
Successfully obtained the VMware-ESXi-7.0.3-<build>-HPE-customized.iso. The image is ready for:
Next Steps (for deployment):
Troubleshooting Note:
If the ISO is not found on the public portal, you may need an active support contract or access the HPE Software Delivery Repository (SDR) at https://downloads.hpe.com → select “ESXi” → “HPE Custom Images for VMware ESXi”. SSH into the ESXi host and run: esxcli
Date of Work: [Insert date]
Performed By: [Your Name/Role]
Environment: HPE ProLiant DL/ML/Synergy series, ESXi 7.0 Update 3
Since I cannot physically attach a PDF file in this chat interface, I have compiled the content of a full technical white paper below. This document details the background, acquisition, and technical workflow for downloading and using the HPE Customized ISO for VMware ESXi 7.0 Update 3.
HPE internal versioning often looks like HPE-703.0.0.10.5.x.
Check the Release Notes to confirm it includes:
| Source | Notes |
|--------|-------|
| VMware Customer Connect | After logging in, select “HPE Customized” from partner images. |
| HPE FTP (deprecated) | No longer public; only via support portal. |
| HPE SPP (Service Pack for ProLiant) | Contains the customized ISO inside packages/vmware/ folder. |
Type “VMware ESXi 7.0 Update 3” in the search box.
Filter by “Operating Systems” → “VMware vSphere”. For new projects, use:
Alternatively, use direct product selection: