HPE offers two typical download options:
You should see VIBs like:
Downloading VMware ESXi 7.0 Update 3 HPE Customized ISO For administrators running HPE ProLiant or Synergy servers, using the is the most reliable way to install or upgrade to ESXi 7.0 Update 3 . These images include critical Hewlett Packard Enterprise drivers (such as the HPE iLO driver and SSACLI utility) that are not part of the standard VMware "vanilla" image. Official Download Location
As of 2025, VMware’s general support for 7.0 U3 has ended (End of General Support: October 2023), but HPE and VMware offer until October 2025 for critical customers. For new deployments, consider ESXi 8.0.
The customized ISO had saved the night. It was a small file, downloaded from a specific vendor link, but for Elena, it was the difference between a smooth upgrade and a weekend disaster.