Unable to Add Local Storage with Dell PERC in ESXi 5.0

Posted on by Jordansphere

Scenario: I had a Dell R730 which I wanted to install ESXi 5.0 on and implement into an exising test environment. The server had local storage which was to be used as a VMFS-5. ESXI 5.0 installed successfully but no Perc (H730 Mini) driver showed up in Storage Adapters.  

  

Before I begin. ESXi 5.0 is NOT supported on R730. Support starts at 5.1+

 

My first task was to check for a compatible driver for the PERC controller. I found this link for ESXi 5.0 and Perc H730M.

https://my.vmware.com/web/vmware/details?downloadGroup=DT-ESXI5X-DELL-MEGARAID-PERC9-69015700-1OEM&productId=229 

 
Download the file and unzip it. The next stage is to copy and install the vib to the ESXi server. In order to this you'll need to place the host into maintenance mode, enable SSH then copy the file:
 
In this example I am copying the file (scsi-megaraid-perc9-6.901.57.00-1OEM.500.0.0.472560.x86_64.vib) to the /tmp folder on 10.0.10.30 
scp scsi-megaraid-perc9-6.901.57.00-1OEM.500.0.0.472560.x86_64.vib [email protected]:/tmp/

You may need to install winscp or another similar program if you want to transfter the file using a GUI. 

When the file has been copied run the command: 

# /usr/sbin/esxcli software vib install -v /tmp/scsi-megaraid-perc9-6.901.57.00-1OEM.500.0.0.472560.x86_64.vib

 

The following result should appear:

Installation Result
   Message: The update completed successfully, but the system needs to be rebooted for the changes to be effective.
   Reboot Required: true
   VIBs Installed: LSI_bootbank_scsi-megaraid-perc9_6.901.57.00-1OEM.500.0.0.472560
   VIBs Removed:
   VIBs Skipped:

As requested, reboot the ESXi host.

When the host has fully restarted the Dell PERC H730 mini now displays and we are able to add storage.

digi-vib

 

 

Note: If you need to remove the vib then this is the command: 

/usr/sbin/esxcli software vib remove --vibname=scsi-megaraid-perc9