installing VMware ESXi version 8 over existing partition

When installing ESXi or vSphere on a host which has an existing bootable partition from am older version or perhaps vSan data on existing partitions, some special steps may need to be take .

This is primarily for homelab users, but can serve as a reference for other situations.

During the installation process, the installer will notify you if partitions already exist. In my case I had one drive that was for booting the prior version and 2 vSAN drives which I plan on rebuilding. The installer flags these with the * and # symbols as noted in the key above.

I want to install over my prior boot media, so I select the drive that "* Contains a VMFS partition", but you have to be cautious here. VMFS partition doesn't just mean prior boot media, it could mean a VMFS datastore. Some systems may have been configured with a local datastore, overwriting this partition would cause a permanent loss of data. I am hopeful that you do not need this data and the point is moot, but be vigilant none the less.

Once the drive is selected and confirmed, a new dialog appears if a prior version is detected. You are offered the choice to "Upgrade" or "Install" if upgrading is a supported option.

As I am intending on overwriting this media, I select "Install" and press Enter to confirm.

You will be presented with the choice for the default keyboard and the installer will continue from this point as if it was a new system.

Hope this helps!

Jason