“Unsupported hardware family vmx-10” during OVF import

When you deploy an OVF Template you get the following error:

The OVF package requires unsupported hardware
Unsupported hardware family vmx-10

This error is related to the virtual hardware version configured for the OVF template – it is not supported by the used vSphere version.

Fortunately there is a workaround you can try:

Step 1 – edit the ovf file:

• open the .ovf file with an editor
• find the line <vssd:VirtualSystemType>vmx-10</vssd:VirtualSystemType>
• change vmx-10 to eg. vmx-07 (or another hw-version working with your ESXi)
• save the changes

Step 2 – calculate SHA-1 and change .mf file:

Now you have to replace the corresponding SHA-1 of the edited OVF file in the .mf file:

If you have a hashing utility, calculate the SHA-1 of the edited .ovf file and replace the hash in the .mf file.
Then the import of the OVF Template should work without any problems/errors.

If you do not have an hashing utility, download one. You can use eg. “HashmyFiles” from NirSoft if you want.