Vmware.esximage.Errors.Database IOError while upgrading the ESXi host upgradation from ESXi hypervisor from VMware ESXi 7.0.3 (Build 24585291) to VMware ESXi 8.0.3 (Build 24859861)

[Sreekanth Mekala]

Hello All,

I am encountering an error while upgrading an ESXi host from VMware ESXi 7.0.3 (Build 24585291) to VMware ESXi 8.0.3 (Build 24859861).

Out of the three hosts in the cluster, two hosts were upgraded successfully using the custom image. However, one host is failing with the below error during the upgrade.

I have already logged a case with Broadcom, and they shared a reference link for troubleshooting, but I am still encountering the same issue.

Could someone please help with the steps to resolve this issue and proceed with the upgrade?
Note: This cluster is running on vSAN. Please ensure that any suggested solution does not impact the existing vSAN configuration.

Error:
Vmware.esximage.Errors.Database IOError: (‘/vmfs/volumes/688590507-27xxx-baxx-8cxxx/package/var/db/locker’, Database directory ‘/vmfs/volumes/688590507-27xxx-baxx-8cxxx/package/var/db/locker’ does not exist.)

[snapfriend]

Hello

Your issue resembles with one of the below VMware kb article. Please follow the steps provided in kb article. 

https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/398973/upgrade-or-patching-of-70-esxi-host-fail.html

If above step is already provided by VMware then please involve them in a call to have thorough troubleshooting.

One suggestion -

You can try to install ESXi from scratch as well if it is feasible and keep your infra ready or available on other 2 hosts as described by you that you have 3 node cluster.