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dabson
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According to VMware KB: Methods for upgrading to ESXi 5.5 upgrading (meaning upgrade "in place" using CD/DVD/USB or upgrade via VUM) from ESXi 5.1 to ESXi 5.5 does maintain custom VIBs, so you may be in luck and the driver may be "migrated" during the upgrade such that you don't have to install it again.

Just in case the driver isn't kept or you decide to reinstall rather than upgrade in place, there are a few options you can look into to determine how to proceed with the ESXi 5.5 reinstall.

  1. Check the VMware Compatibility Guide to see if your particular NIC has been added since ESXi 5.1.
    • Go to: VMware Compatibility Guide: I/O Device Search
    • Fill out the form for your network card, making sure to select "Network" for the "I/O Device Type", "Intel" for the "Brand Name", etc.
    • If it's on the list then you should be able to use either the stock ISO or the Driver Rollup ISO.
  2. Add your driver to the ESXi 5.5 ISO like you did last time.

Good luck! Please let us know how it goes.


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Dee Abson
https://wiseintro.co/deeabson
https://teebeedee.org