ESXi 7.0 CPU_SUPPORT_ERROR; Nested ESXi On Unsupported CPU

Hi all,

As you all know VMware recently released vSphere 7.0 and I was trying to explore what’s new with the latest release. Based on the new prerequisites to setup ESXi 7.0 in the nested environment, I have encountered CPU compatibility issues and it stops my home lab deployment.

In this article, we will discuss the steps to resolve the CPU_SUPPORT_ERROR which may come while installing nested ESXi 7.0 on your unsupported hardware. Most of the time this issue comes when we try to install nested ESXi 7.0 on top of legacy hardware.

I have a few HP 380 G7 rack servers running with vSphere 6.0 and I got CPU_SUPPORT ERROR  error while installing nested ESXi 7.0. find the below screenshot for more reference.

Error: CPU_SUPPORT_ERROR: The CPU in this host is not supported by ESXi 7.0.0

Here is the solution for Install the ESXi 7.0 on unsupported legacy hardware.

  • Shutdown the Nested ESXi 7.0 virtual machine.
  • Right-click on the Virtual Machine and Edit Settings.
  • Navigate to CPUID Mask option and Click on Advanced.

 

On the Level 1 field use the following into the EAX field based on the base hardware.

  • Intel CPUs: 0000:0000:0000:0011:0000:0110:1100:0011
  • AMD CPUs: 0000:0000:0110:0000:0000:1111:0001:0000

In my scenario, I am using Intel CPU code, paste the code the Click OK.

Now boot your nested ESXi 7.0 virtual machine and start the installation and it will be succeeded.

Finally, Nested ESXi 7.0 VM installed and booted.

Next, we have to remove the CPU ID set for the nested ESXi 7.0 virtual machine.

  • Shutdown the Nested ESXi 7.0 virtual machine.
  • Right-click on the Virtual Machine and Edit Settings.
  • Navigate to CPUID Mask option and Clik on Advanced.

From Level 1, click Reset Row to Default and click OK.

Now the CPU ID returned to normal, time to explore the new features.

That’s all guys.. will discuss more on vSphere 7.0.0 in an upcoming post,  stay tuned… ????

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Written by Sujith Surendran

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