Bootdevice / datastore missing after upgrade 5.5 -> 6.5 -> 6.5U2

[TheThomasK]

Problem:

1. booting a 6.5 image and selecting to upgrade does not list the SATA-Bootdevice for installation

2. putting a 6.5 image into a datastore and upgrading via esxcli software profile upgrade -d ... -p ... works as intended

2a. first restart after upgrade is successful - works as intended

every next restart starts the esxi 5.5 again

...and i can upgrade this "old" 5.5 back to the 6.5 until the next but one reboot

Host is in the current state: 5.5 -> upgrade via esxcli -> 6.5 -> upgrade via esxcli -> 6.5U2 -> restart -> keep it running, dont touch it.

Boot device is an "ATP IG SATA DOM"

esxcli storage core device list:

t10.ATA_____ATP_IG_SATA_DOM_________________________99001130903030000004

on a 

lspci -v | grep "Class 0106" -B 1

0000:00:1f.2 SATA controller Mass storage controller: Intel Corporation Patsburg 6 Port SATA AHCI Controller [vmhba0]

esxcli storage filesystem list:  missing the device and datastore

bootbank points to /tmp

no altbootbank

Why is the device available at the first restart but not on any other restart?

Which logfile is recommended to look at?

What command gives clues?

Any chance to get it running again?

Thanks in advance!

[SupreetK]

Now that the bootbank is pointing to /tmp, any changes that you make now will not be persistent across reboot. In the current situation, you have to reinstall ESXi (AFAIK). While reinstalling, use OEM custom image for 6.5 U2 so that it contains all the required drivers. Also, verify if your server supports ESXi 6.5 U2 in the first place.

Please consider marking this answer as "correct" or "helpful" if you think your questions have been answered.

Cheers,

Supreet