Step by step to create ESXi customize image

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

1. Install PowerCLI

2. 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

1. Download ESXi image file ESXi600-201706001.zip

2. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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.

1. Finally you will have below 4 files in your folder.