ESXi 5.1 Hypervisor: embedded network adapter fails on HP ML350p G8

[#1]

I have a brand new HP ML350p G8 Server with 4 embedded NIC's.

Installation of ESXi 5.1 Hypervisor fails, cause no network adapters get detected!

Installation stopps at Network configuration, cause no Nic's.

Hardware is branded as VMware compatible.

When I install WinServer 2008R2 as OS, there are any problems,

all Nic's are present and working, also the Team-function for failover and load balancing.

So, Hardware is OK.

Can anybody help me?

Hardware:     HP ML350p G8

Intel® Xeon® E5-2630 (2.3GHz/6-core/15MB/7.2GT-s QPI/95W, DDR3-1333, HT, Turbo2- 3/3/4/4/5/5

Intel® C600 Chipset
Intel® E5-2600 Processor Family

HP 1Gb Ethernet 4-port 331i Adapter

Performance Models
NOTE: These Models are Energy Star Certified.
HP ProLiant ML350p Gen8 E5-2630 2P 32GB-R RAM  P420i Hot Plug SFF 750W PS ES Server
678237-xx1

Processor
(2) Intel® Xeon® E5-2630 (2.30GHz/6-core/15MB/7.2GT-s QPI/95W, DDR3-1333, HT, Turbo2- 3/3/4/4/5/5) ProcessorCache Memory
20MB (1 x 20MB) L3
Memory
32GB (4x8GB) PC3L-10600R (DDR3-1333) Registered DIMMS
NOTE: 20 DIMM slots available.
Network Controller
HP 1Gb Ethernet 4-port 331i Adapter
Storage Controller
HP Smart Array P420i/2G FBWC Controller
Hard Drive
Internal Storage
8x Hot plug SFF SAS HDD bays; 2 for OS as Raid-1, 4 for Data as Raid 1+0, 2 HotSpare
HP Half-Height SATA DVD-RW Optical Drive
Power Supply
2x HP 750W Common Slot Platinum Plus Hot Plug Power Supply
Fans
4 hot plug, redundant fans plus louvers
Accessories
USB Keyboard and Mouse ship standard
NOTE: EURO (-421) Models excludes the keyboard.
Management
HP iLO Management Engine (standard)
Optional: HP Insight Control
Energy Star
Meets Energy Star requirements
Form Factor
Tower (5U)
Warranty
Server Warranty includes 3-Year Parts, 3-Year Labor, 3-Year Onsite support with next business day response

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[Cool_Pollo]

I had the same problem, you should download the HP image for ESX... It worked for me

http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/software/vmware/esxi-image.html

[AchimMueller]

Yes, that's the solution!

There is a Link to the supported plattform:  

HP customized VMware image downloads

http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/software/vmware/esxi-image.html

Thank you very much!

In the meantime, I tested several installations of Win Server OS 2008R2 and former,

even Win7 64bit with thin and thick provisioning crosswise.

It works fast and smart without any problems.

I've had only two effects:

1.      The so called "ROK"-Version of Windows Server 2008R2 (Standard) from HP, dedicated to the machine, is not installable.

          During the first sequence of installation, a message appeares, that "This version is prohibited to HP ProLiant Hardware",

          and no further installation process is possible.

          Using a standard ISO image (DSP) of Microsoft solves the problem!

          The Software-Key of the HP-ROK version is compatible,

          so it's no problem to activate the license with them ...!

2.     I found no way to use the USB-Ports of the physical Server (VMware 5.0.1 U1) for one of the virtual machines.

          It was no problem to add in the targed VM (Windows Server 2008R2 Standard) the USB-Hub of the physical machine.

          I get in the taskbar right side also the symbol of a USB-device.

          But when I try to insert a USB-device (tried a "DATEV SmartCard License-Dongle, a Kingston 512MB USB-Flash

           and a Sandisk 2GB USB-Flash), I get   ANY   reaction (no "driver installation" or device recognition ?

          (It was not successful, to mount the USB-Ports of a local machine, even princip makes no sense.)

          It seems, that there is no connection between the VM and the physical machine !

In effect, I installad a second physical server, just only to install the "Datev License Manager", based on this USB License-Dongle.

But this can not be the solution!

Has anyone a idea or solution about ?