Network Card 331FLR Not Recognized by HPE VMware ESXi 6.5 U2 on ProLiant DL380p Gen8

[PayLoop]

We got an HP ProLiant DL380p Gen8 server which has the HP Ethernet 1Gb 4-port 331FLR network adapter. I downloaded the HPE Custom Image for VMware ESXi 6.5 U2 for preGen9 (fourth file from https://my.vmware.com/web/vmware/details?downloadGroup=OEM-ESXI65U2-HPE&productId=614, file name VMware-ESXi-6.5.0-Update2-8294253-HPE-preGen9-650.U2.9.6.7.1-May2018.iso) and tried to install it. However, during the installation I get the message:

"No network adapters were detected..."

According to http://h17007.www1.hpe.com/us/en/enterprise/servers/supportmatrix/vmware.aspx#.W5fP9ugzaHs the DL380p Gen8 should be supported with ESXi 6.5 U2.

Interestingly, I was able to install the HPE custom image of ESXi 6.7 but when I rebooted the system, a message with the same meaning appeared (no network adapters found).

I don't think this is of any concern but just to mention it: I am creating a bootable USB from the ISO file using the "Universal USB Installer" and "Unlisted Linux ISO". The USB boots correctly and the installation progress seems to work fine.

Any ideas what's wrong and how to fix it?

[upAndup448768 · Accepted solution]

Regarding your 331FLR NIC adapter:

The VMWare HCL [1] shows that your 331FLR adapter is supported in 6.5U2 using any of the following three drivers:

• ntg3 version 4.1.3.0-1vmw
• tg3 version 3.137l.v60.1
• tg3 version 3.137l.v55.1

Reviewing the contents of the 'VMware-ESXi-6.5.0-Update2-8294253-HPE-preGen9-650.U2.9.6.7.1-May2018.iso' ISO I see it includes the following driver which matches the above HCL:

• ntg3 4.1.3.0-1vmw.650.2.50.8294253

So now I'm stumped too as to why your install isn't recognizing your NIC.

Just a wild guess, but maybe try running the latest SPP for Gen8 hardware to see if there are any firmware updates available for your NIC?

Is your 331FLR NIC listed if you log into the iLO > System Information > Network section?

Let us know what you find out!

-M

[1] https://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/detail.php?deviceCategory=io&productid=21446&deviceCategory=io&details=1&releases=408&keyword=331FLR&page=1&display_interval=10&sortColumn=Partner&sortOrder=Asc

[PayLoop]

I checked under iLO System Information and the adapter is not listed there. I also ran Ubuntu and checked in BIOS - the adapter is not found. So I called the supplier and they will deliver a new adapter.

The strange thing is, why does the adapter light (the LEDs next to the cable) when the cable is plugged in. And is it really the adapter that is damaged and not the board. I'll have to wait and see.