Download Cisco Custom Image For Esxi 70 U3 Verified File
When you search for a verified Cisco custom image, you are looking for three guarantees:
Warning: Third-party websites offering "pre-verified" Cisco ISOs are often outdated or injected with malware. Only download directly from Cisco’s official depots.
To download the Cisco custom image for ESXi 7.0 U3, you must now navigate the Broadcom Support Portal, which hosts all VMware-related software following the acquisition. Verified custom images are essential for Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) hardware to ensure that critical drivers, such as those for the Cisco Virtual Interface Card (VIC), are pre-integrated into the bootable media. Step-by-Step Download Instructions
Follow these steps to locate the verified Cisco ISO through the official Broadcom Support Portal:
Log In: Sign into your account on the Broadcom Support Portal. If you do not have one, you must register using your Broadcom Site ID to access licensed software.
Navigate to VMware Cloud Foundation: Select VMware Cloud Foundation from the dropdown menu (typically located next to your username).
Search for vSphere: Go to the My Downloads section in the left-hand sidebar and search for VMware vSphere. download cisco custom image for esxi 70 u3 verified
Select Your Version: Choose your entitlement (e.g., VMware vSphere - Enterprise Plus) and select the major version as 7.0.
Access Custom ISOs: Locate the Custom ISOs tab at the top of the download options. This section contains vendor-specific images for Cisco, HPE, and Dell.
Filter and Download: Search for "Cisco" within the search box. Expand the entry for ESXi 7.0 Update 3 to find the specific build you need (e.g., Cisco Custom Image for ESXi 7.0U3 Install CD). Why Use a Cisco Custom Image?
Standard VMware images often lack the specific drivers required for Cisco UCS and HyperFlex hardware. The verified Cisco custom image includes:
VIC Drivers: Updated nenic and nfnic drivers for the Cisco Virtual Interface Card.
Hardware Compatibility: Pre-tested configurations verified against the Cisco Hardware Compatibility List (HCL). When you search for a verified Cisco custom
Optimised Performance: Specific enhancements that reduce the risk of PSOD (Purple Screen of Death) or networking disconnects. Alternative: Building a Custom ISO
If you require a specific driver version not included in the standard custom image, you can use the vSphere Lifecycle Manager (vLCM) within vCenter to build your own verified image: Navigate to Lifecycle Manager > Software Depot.
Import the desired Cisco VIC drivers (downloaded from the Cisco Product Support site).
Create a New Image, select the ESXi 7.0 U3 base version, and add the imported Cisco components. Export the resulting configuration as a bootable ISO. Cisco custom ESXi Images | VMware vSphere
Here’s a response you can use or adapt, depending on whether you’re writing instructions, a support ticket, a wiki entry, or an internal IT note.
Choose the correct file type:
Click the Download button next to your chosen file.
After downloading, always verify using:
Before diving into the download process, it is critical to understand why the generic VMware ISO fails in production.
Critical Note: ESXi 7.0 Update 3 (build 19193900) has specific dependency requirements. Using an unverified image can lead to PSOD (Purple Screen of Death) related to the
native_multi_pathplugin or thei40endriver for VIC 1300 series cards.
Deploying VMware ESXi on Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) hardware requires specific hardware drivers (NIC, Storage, RAID controllers) that are not always included in the standard VMware installation ISOs. This paper outlines the process for downloading the correct Cisco Custom Image for ESXi 7.0 Update 3 (U3), understanding the importance of vendor-specific drivers, and verifying the image integrity prior to deployment to ensure system stability.
Mount the verified ISO to the UCS server via: To download the Cisco custom image for ESXi 7
During the boot process, the installer will load the Cisco-specific drivers (e.g., nenic, lsi_mr3). If the installation proceeds to the "Select a disk" screen without errors, the image is functioning correctly.
If this error appears using the Cisco Custom Image, it indicates that the server has hardware newer than the drivers included in the specific U3 ISO revision.



