Installing ESXi 7.0 on Intel NUC Systems

Oct 4, 2024

ESXi 7.0 Update 3 Installation on Intel NUC Systems

Overview

  • Discussion about known issues while installing ESXi 7.0 Update 3 on Intel NUC systems.
  • Resolution steps will be provided to fix these known issues.

Agenda

  1. Known issues with ESXi 7.0 Update 3 installation on Intel NUC.
  2. Where to obtain compatible network drivers for ESXi 7.0 Update 3.
  3. Steps to add network drivers to ESXi 7.0 Update 3 and create a custom ISO for Intel NUC.

Introduction to Intel NUC

  • Intel NUC is often used for VMware home labs.
  • Key features of Intel NUC:
    • Compact design (palm-sized).
    • Hardware peripherals include power button, headphone jack, USB ports, LAN connections, and HDMI.
    • Models in use: Intel NUC 10, 11, and the latest NUC 12.
    • Memory support: Up to 64 GB.
    • Hard disk capacity: Up to 2 TB.
    • CPU options: 6-core or 8-core processors.

Known Issues During Installation

  • Common error: "No network adapters detected".
    • Possible causes:
      • No network adapters physically connected.
      • Missing suitable drivers.
      • Third-party driver may be required.

Finding Compatible Network Drivers

  • VMware community website (vmware-flings.com) provides compatible network drivers.
    • Important link to download community network drivers for ESXi.
    • Community driver must be combined with the ESXi 7 ISO.

Steps to Create a Custom ISO

  1. Download the ESXi 7.0 Update 3 offline bundle (ZIP file).
  2. Download the community network driver (also a ZIP file).
  3. Place both ZIP files in a temporary folder on a Windows system.
  4. Combine both ZIP files using VMware PowerCLI.
  5. Create a custom ISO with the network driver included.
  6. Prepare the bootable USB using the custom ISO.

High-Level Steps

  • Step 1: Download ESXi 7.0 Update 3 offline bundle (ZIP).
  • Step 2: Download community network driver.
  • Step 3: Combine both ZIP files using VMware PowerCLI commands.
  • Step 4: Export customized ISO and make it bootable.

PowerCLI Commands

  • Ensure VMware PowerCLI modules are installed.
  • Set execution policy to "All Signed" in PowerShell.
  • Important commands include:
    • Add ESXi Software Depot: Combine ESXi update and network driver.
    • Define a New ESXi Image: Clone a profile with a custom name.
    • Export Custom Image: Create an ISO from the combined files.

Creating Bootable USB

  • Use Rufus software to create a bootable USB drive with the custom ISO.
  • Select the custom ISO and follow the prompts to write the image to the USB drive.

Conclusion

  • Steps to add a network driver to ESXi 7.0 Update 3 for Intel NUC systems were covered.
  • A custom ISO can be created to resolve installation issues.
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