Andy's VMware vSphere tip#6: [InstallationError] [Errno 28] No space left on device - updating from 6.5 U1 to 6.5 U2 (possible other versions as well!)
We were updating HPE Proliant Servers Generation 8 [G8], and it would appear as of writing HPE have still not released a Gen8 ESXi 6.5 U2 Image! So we had to use 6.5 U1 and updated to U2. [Please note always use the OEM version of ESXi for vendor servers, e.g. HPE, Dell, IBM/Lenovo, Fujitsu etc]
This might lead you to this VMware Kb -
https://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=1007638
But it does not appear to be anything to do with space on the device, and when you investigate there is plenty of storage space.
Here's a quick workaround..
Install the vib manually, see here
1. cd /tmp
2. wget
http://hostupdate.vmware.com/software/VUM/PRODUCTION/main/esx/vmw/vib20/tools-light/VMware_locker_tools-light_6.5.0-1.47.8285314.vib
3. esxcli software vib install -f -v /tmp/VMware_locker_tools-l
ight_6.5.0
-1.47.8285
314.vib
Complete 6.5 U2 upgrade as normal.
4. esxcli software profile update -p ESXi-6.5.0-20180502001-sta
ndard -d
https://hostupdate.vmware.com/software/VUM/PRODUCTION/main/vmw-depot-index.xml
Done...