EXSI 8 removal from Host

[abarjun18]

I want to remove EXSI 8 (Trail Version) from Host. I tried to apply 7 over 8 EXSI and its newer allowed. 

Pls give instructions to cleanly remove  EXSI 8 from Host & then add 7?

Thanks

[a_p_]

>>> and its newer allowed.
Please clarify what's not allowed. Messages and/or screenshots (pictures) might help.

In doubt, use a disk utility like the gParted Live CD, and clear the partition table.

André

[abarjun18]

kindly check attach image (esxi.jpg) which has version of EXSI = 8.0.0

I am planning to remove this from host & install old version EXSI = 7.0.0

On EXSI = 8.0.0 Setup, (After login Setup), i tried to do reset system configuration but same result.

Whats blocking me.

I cannot install EXSI 7 without removing EXSI 8 from Host.

[vrathna]

I believe EXSI refers to ESXi, then you can not apply older version (7.0) on new version (8.0) of ESXi. To resolve this issue please do a fresh install of 7.0 ESXi https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-vSphere/7.0/com.vmware.esxi.install.doc/GUID-B2F01BF5-078A-4C7E-B5... .

[Sachchidanand]

Hi,

What is your host make/model?

Take KVM console of the host and map the ESXi iso to cd/dvd and boot your server using cd /dvd and do a clean/fresh install of ESXi 7.

Regards,

Sachchidanand

[abarjun18]

@vrathna 

I tried applying EXSI 7 but the when Setup comes up it says EXSI 8 to EXSI 7 upgrade not possible.

I couldn't procure EXSI 8 license & only got EXSI 7. I never thought it will so much pain to move to older version.

Next time, i will chose something different. 

[vrathna]

Refer note from the documentation https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-vSphere/8.0/vsphere-esxi-80-upgrade-guide.pdf

Rollback to an earlier version of ESXi is not possible due to the repartitioning process of the boot device. To use an earlier version of ESXi after upgrading to version 8.0, you must create a backup of the boot device before the upgrade, and restore the ESXi boot device from the backup.

This KB might help you https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/1033604