Understanding ESXi builds

[jfoutwest]

Hello

We upgraded ten nodes using the same Lenovo Upgrade ISO, 'len_sw_hyper_2068190_vmwaresx5_32-64.iso'.

Five nodes were upgraded by booting off the CD.

Five nodes were upgraded using VMware Update Manager.

The nodes upgraded using the CD report-      VMware ESXi 5.5.0 build-2718055

The nodes upgraded using VUM report          VMware ESXi 5.5.0 build-2456374

Researching we see that:

VMware ESXi 5.5.0 build-2718055 has  ESXi 5.5 Patch 5*

VMware ESXi 5.5.0 build-2456374 has ESXi 5.5 Express Patch 6

Where did the different patch levels come from and how do we standardize these builds? Thank you.

[Spyingjack · Accepted solution]

I think in VUM the baseline package included express version.

Moving forward.

You can role back esxi

http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=103360...

I would advice you use offline package of build you need put it in shared data store and run command

put host in maintenance,

esxcli software vib -d install <location\packagename.zip>.

thanks

[jfoutwest]

A few more questions,

What is the express version?

The same ISO was used for upgrade, why would one be different?

Why do we need roll back the version?

Thanks,

[Spyingjack]

What is the express version?

an express patch is a small service pack, a few dozen updates.

a patch is a single update.

The same ISO was used for upgrade, why would one be different?

i am not sure if there was single file in baseline or multiple. I have never seen the build version change when you are using same ISO

If you are going to higher build version from lower then i would suggest install with offline bundle try using UM. you can download offline bundle from my.vmware.com.

its possible may be VUM is not able grab all component for iso. you can "more" the log ESX (patch and update installation logs): /var/log/vmware/esxupdate.log to see what exactly happened on those host.

Why do we need roll back the version:

Ideally if you on lower build and want to go on higher build you need not roll back just upgrade. as latest file include their predecessor

Hope it answer all you questions.

thanks