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This article looks promising - https://www.v-front.de/2014/12/how-to-make-your-unsupported-nic-work.html
Dell seems to package their own ESX IOS which I think will work but I need to see if I can upgrade. Also what's with the A00, A01, A03 designation linked under "Other Versions"? - http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/Drivers/DriversDetails?driverId=FCTFC
This Dell article to download the Dell-customized ESXi Embedded ISO also has more info on what drivers are installed.
Also checked the native download page for the laptop leaptop but ESX is not listed as an OS.
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