need more to go on than that

Check here for NIC compatibility: https://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php?deviceCategory=io

Hi,

I'm new to all this

When I install the esxi I get the following message

Screenshot: 

HI,

There could be many reasons for your issue, but it looks driver issue. (if we assume that have network card in your machine)

First, please check that your hardware is on the compatibility list (link was already shared before)

Second, if the server is on the list, and you are aware of the hardware vendor, please download and use the vendor specific esxi installer image. It can be downloaded from VMware or the vendor site as well.

Third, if the hardware is not supported, you may try the community nic driver from flings site.

Otherwise, please share more details for better understanding you environment.

My network driver is a Realtek,

i have installed windows 10 and that’s what my driver is shown as,

like I said before I’m new to this so help would be appreciated.

Realtek isn't listed as a brand in the compatibility tool I linked to before, if you had used the link you would know that.

So they're not supported. Add an additional NIC to your system which is supported.

From the description looks like you are building a home lab as you mentioned Windows 10 and Realtek driver. If I suspect correctly , do you use workstation pro or virtual box? 

Have you added NIC to your ESXi? 

Have you created your virtual network? 

Have a look here: installing ESXI on the local PC 

Hello, 

Sorry for the confusion,

I installed windows 10 to see what network driver I was using on the PC.

I am trying to install ESXi on a freshly formatted hard drive but run into the above problem.

I hope this makes more sense

Regards

Where are you installing ESXi, on the bare metal server or on a Workstation?

one of these: 

ok, then there is a compatibility issue with your network card as previously mentioned. Try maybe to search for different drivers for a network card. 

Great,

so there’s no work around?

This is a desktop pc, direct esxi install/run is not supported.

You may try to add a compatible  PCI Network card, or try the community network driver.

But i recommend to install a windows and use vmware workstation.

there is one: 

create a custom ISO with the drivers of your particular Realtek or any other NIC

here: 

https://williamlam.com/2022/02/how-to-create-a-customized-esxi-iso-without-vcenter-server.html

I used the instructions found in this link:

https://4sysops.com/archives/using-esxi-iso-image-builder-with-vmware-vsphere-70-update-2/

I used VMware workstation to do all this

I am still clueless how to add my network to the iso.

regards

With Workstation, it will work! 

I am using Realtek with Workstation and built a home lab.

So once you have Workstation up and running follow this : 

https://angrysysops.com/2022/03/12/build-a-home-lab-using-your-local-pc-part-1-installing-esxi-serve...

Do I need the ip bit at the beginning?