Troubleshooting Upgrade to ESXi 7.0: Missing Dependencies VIBs Error
Upgrading your VMware ESXi hypervisor to a new version is a common task to benefit from the latest features, improvements, and security updates. However, the process doesn’t always go smoothly. One common stumbling block is encountering the “Missing dependencies VIBs” error during the upgrade to ESXi 7.0. In this article, we’ll explore what this error means and provide steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
Fix the problem:
Login to SSH as root administrator
find and remove conflicting vibs
ERROR
The upgrade has VIBs that are missing dependencies:
Understanding the Error Message:
When you encounter the “Missing dependencies VIBs” error, it indicates that the upgrade process has identified a set of software packages (VIBs – vSphere Installation Bundles) that have dependencies on other software components that are missing or incompatible with the new ESXi version.
Possible Causes:
Outdated or Incompatible Third-Party VIBs:
- Some third-party software or custom VIBs installed on your ESXi host might not be compatible with ESXi 7.0, leading to missing dependencies.
Incompatible Hardware:
- The hardware on your host may not be fully compatible with ESXi 7.0, resulting in missing dependencies for certain VIBs.
Incomplete Pre-Check:
- The pre-upgrade compatibility check might not have been completed or might not have accurately identified all potential issues.
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Review VMware Compatibility Guide:
- Before upgrading, check the VMware Compatibility Guide to ensure that your hardware and any third-party software are compatible with ESXi 7.0.
2. Update or Remove Third-Party VIBs:
- Identify any third-party VIBs installed on your ESXi host. Check with the vendors for updated versions compatible with ESXi 7.0. If no updated versions are available, consider removing them before the upgrade.
3. Update Custom VIBs:
- If you have custom VIBs, ensure they are updated to versions compatible with ESXi 7.0. VMware and third-party vendors often release updates to ensure compatibility with new ESXi versions.
4. Remove Incompatible Hardware:
- If the compatibility guide indicates incompatible hardware, you might need to consider upgrading or replacing the hardware. Ensure that your hardware meets the minimum requirements for ESXi 7.0.
5. Re-run the Pre-Upgrade Compatibility Check:
- Rerun the pre-upgrade compatibility check to ensure that all potential issues are identified before starting the upgrade process. Address any new issues that arise during this check.
6. Check VMware Community Forums:
- Visit the VMware Community Forums to see if others have experienced similar issues during the upgrade to ESXi 7.0. The community often provides valuable insights and solutions.
7. Contact VMware Support:
- If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to VMware support for assistance. Provide detailed information about your environment, including hardware specifications and any third-party software installed.
Conclusion:
Encountering the “Missing dependencies VIBs” error during an ESXi upgrade can be a roadblock, but with careful troubleshooting, it’s usually possible to identify and resolve the underlying issues. Prioritize reviewing compatibility guides, updating or removing incompatible software, and staying informed about hardware requirements to ensure a smoother upgrade process. Remember to backup critical data before any upgrade attempt and test the upgrade in a non-production environment when possible.