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Troubleshooting an ESX/ESXi host upgrade failure

Symptoms

Cannot upgrade the ESX/ESXi host software
Upgrading the ESX/ESXi host software fails
The ESX/ESXi host software upgrade fails to complete
Unable to complete the ESX/ESXi host software upgrade

Purpose

This article provides steps to troubleshoot issues during an ESX/ESXi host upgrade.

Resolution

Validate that each troubleshooting step below is true for your environment. Each step will provide instructions or a link to a document, for validating the step and taking corrective action as necessary. The steps are ordered in the most appropriate sequence to isolate the issue and identify the proper resolution. Please do not skip a step.

Verify that the minimum system requirements for installing ESX/ESXi are met. For more information, seeMinimum system requirements for installing ESX/ESXi (1003661).
Verify that the hardware on which you are trying to install is certified. For more information, see Verifying that ESX/ESXi host hardware (System, Storage, and I/O) devices are supported (1003916).
Verify if the issue is cause by the upgrade media. For more information, seeChecking media integrity for ESX/ESXi host installations or upgrades (1003674).
Verify that your hardware is working as expected. For more information, seeEnsuring your hardware is functioning correctly (1003690).
Verify that you have adequate disk space to complete the installation. For information, seeInvestigating disk space on an ESX/ESXi Server (1003564).
Verify that your firmware and BIOS are at the latest revision. For more information, seeChecking your firmware and BIOS levels to ensure compatibility with ESX/ESXi (1037257).
If a failed upgrade has left your server in an inconsistent state, so that a reinstall also fails, you may need to perform a clean installation. For more information, seeCompleting a clean installation using the ISO image if your installation or upgrade fails (1004038).

Note: You may want to speak to a VMware support engineer before completing this step.

Note: If your problem still exists after trying the steps in this article, please:

Gather the VMware Support Script Data. For more information, seeCollecting Diagnostic Information in a VMware Virtual Infrastructure Environment (1003689).
File a support request with VMware Support and note this KB Article ID (1004107) in the problem description. For more information, seeHow to Submit a Support Request.

Additional Information

For more information on installing or upgrading your ESX/ESXi host, see the VMware Documentation site.

Update History

04/08/2011 - Updated to reflect 4.1.

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