HPE Custom image - which type should be used

[PiotrekB]

Hi Guys,

I am preparing to upgrade my vSphere 6.0 to 6.5U2.

My servers are HPE Proliant DL380p gen8.

I want to upgrade ESXi using HPE Custom image via Update Manager.

I will use HPE custom image for that.

I know that the lates custom images are located here:

https://my.vmware.com/group/vmware/details?downloadGroup=OEM-ESXI65U1-HPE&productId=614

and I know that I need to use Pre-Gen9 Custom Image, but there is one question.

Which image should I use:

1. HPE Custom Image for VMware ESXi 6.5 U1 Install CD (*.iso)

2. HPE Custom Image for VMware ESXi 6.5 U1 Offline Bundle (*.zip)

and.. what is the difference between them?

I would be grateful for your answer.

Thanks

[a_p_ · Accepted solution]

Welcome to the Community,

For upgrades using the Update Manager (as well as for interactive upgrades), use the iso image.

The Offline-Bundle (.zip file) can be used used for upgrades from the command line, or as a base for creating custom images.

André

[PiotrekB]

Thank you a.p.​ for really quick answer

[MikeOD]

As already mentioned, use the HP customized image ISO for the installs/upgrades.  As I understand it, the "offline bundles" are the HP tools and drivers (the pieces that HPE adds to the ESXi image to make it "customized" so it works best with their hardware)

You can import the offline bundle zip into Update Manager and use it to update HPE hosts already running the correct VMWare version.  You can also use the offline bundle along with the VMWare ISO to build your own custom image.

Mike O.