Upgrade Problem - VMFS Cannot Be Preserved - 6.7 to 7.0

[UderFig]

Hello,

I'm currently running:
HPE-ESXi-6.7.0-Update3-iso-Gen9plus-670.U3.10.5.0.48 (Hewlett Packard Enterprise) (Build 15160138)
and wanting to upgrade to ESXi 7.0 U3 (Apr 2023).  When I reboot server with 7.0U3 mounted and start VMware install I receive the following error:

VMFS Cannot Be Preserved
The selected storage device contains a VMFS datastore which cannot be preserved. 
...

I'm given a suggestion to move data off datastore as proceeding will overwrite datastore.  The datastore in question is VMFS6.

Is there a interim VMware 7.0.X I'm suppose to do or is there another option other than saving VMs off and wipping and restoring VMs .

Thank you!
Uder

[Rajaram02]

Hi UderFig,

After mounting the ISO via ILO

Following the on screen instruction

After the host boots, Continue with the ESXi installation.

Press F11 to accept the EULA.

Select the disk to upgrade and press Enter. If you are unsure if there is currently an ESXi install on the storage disk, press F1 to view the device details.

On this step you need to select the boot partition

If you click on detail it will list you the partition containing below screenshot.

If an installation of ESXi is found, you will be prompted to upgrade 
And the three option will be available 
Select the Upgradr ESXi , Preserve VMFS datastore
Ref screenshot 

[Sunitha_Mod · Accepted solution]

Hello @UderFig,

Let us know if you were able to resolve the issue.

If you have no further query and you are satisfied with the answer then kindly mark the topic as Solved so that it is helpful for all community members.