gilget
asked on
cant delete files on vmfs storage
we have migrated a physical machine to a esx vm machine with the vmware tool.
however, it had an error on the last part and it stoped at 97%.
we deleted the vm machine on esx but the files of it were not deleted. also its impossible to delete them using vmware virtual center.
can anyone tell us a way to delete them without rebooting the server?
however, it had an error on the last part and it stoped at 97%.
we deleted the vm machine on esx but the files of it were not deleted. also its impossible to delete them using vmware virtual center.
can anyone tell us a way to delete them without rebooting the server?
ASKER
we have 4 hosts
i deleted the machine from the overview (delete machine from disk).
when checking on the VMFS store browsing it, i saw the files are still there.
deleting them from there does not work.
i deleted the machine from the overview (delete machine from disk).
when checking on the VMFS store browsing it, i saw the files are still there.
deleting them from there does not work.
What happens when you try to delete them from the VMFS? What is the error message?
ASKER
its taking a while then it says "cant delete file xxx".
i did shut down the machine where i was running the converter, just to make sure its not locking those files anymore.
i did shut down the machine where i was running the converter, just to make sure its not locking those files anymore.
You could always log in to the ESX server and use command shell. But you should be very careful about the files you delete. Try moving them or renaming them.
From command shell, to search for specific files
find / -name Nameoffile -print
To delete, use the rm command.
If you need to change permissions on the file, chmod
From command shell, to search for specific files
find / -name Nameoffile -print
To delete, use the rm command.
If you need to change permissions on the file, chmod
What version are you using? We had problems deleting files with older versions and even the support team would tell us to manually delete, but the newer more recent releases have been much better with cleanup.
ASKER
the version is fully up to date.
i guess i will have to delete it with linux commands, just as you said.
will try that when i get to the office tomorrow and let you know.
thx for the help its much appretiated.
i guess i will have to delete it with linux commands, just as you said.
will try that when i get to the office tomorrow and let you know.
thx for the help its much appretiated.
Hi
Just to know. Is Converter stoped and closed?
Take into account if Converter is still open, files are locked by the software.
Sometimes the silly points are the main points... you know
Regards
Just to know. Is Converter stoped and closed?
Take into account if Converter is still open, files are locked by the software.
Sometimes the silly points are the main points... you know
Regards
ASKER
i know, but the machine with the converter has been rebooted twice now-..
;(
;(
ESX could be rebooted?
ASKER
would it make any difference if this is not a local harddisk but a san storage where the vmfs is?
Gilget
Are you using Fastscp or Veeam Backup?
Download Fastscp, it's free, thenk install it versus VirtualCenter or ESX.
In Fastscp, open the folder volumes and there are all datastores.
Access it and delte it using fastscp gui.
That's all
hope it helps.
;)
Are you using Fastscp or Veeam Backup?
Download Fastscp, it's free, thenk install it versus VirtualCenter or ESX.
In Fastscp, open the folder volumes and there are all datastores.
Access it and delte it using fastscp gui.
That's all
hope it helps.
;)
ASKER
oh yes ;) what a nice idea ....
its not that i cant restart the esx, but I was about to delete the file without reboot or workaround.
i will try fastscp right away (its been a while ;)...
thx for the tip
its not that i cant restart the esx, but I was about to delete the file without reboot or workaround.
i will try fastscp right away (its been a while ;)...
thx for the tip
ASKER
fastscp gives the following error when trying to delete the file.
Device or resource busy
i guess the only way would be to unlock the file using the console ;(.
any other tips?
regards
and thx
Device or resource busy
i guess the only way would be to unlock the file using the console ;(.
any other tips?
regards
and thx
how many esx have you?
Can you balance the vm to other one?
Can you balance the vm to other one?
ASKER
that is the thing.
the vm has been deleted, but not its vmdk files ;(
and they cant be deleted.
we have 4 hosts and a san ;)
the vm has been deleted, but not its vmdk files ;(
and they cant be deleted.
we have 4 hosts and a san ;)
ok,
has you vmotion? if so, move all vm to another esx.
reboot esx who had this vm
vmdk will be free to be deleted
I had the same trouble.
hopy it helps
has you vmotion? if so, move all vm to another esx.
reboot esx who had this vm
vmdk will be free to be deleted
I had the same trouble.
hopy it helps
ASKER
i cant vmotion it, because the VM itself was deleted from VirtualCenter (with option to remove files from disk also), the vm on the VC has been deleted, files where left over on vmfs.
i tried readding the vm with no chance. (acctually the vm was never booted, because migrator failed to finish).
i tried readding the vm with no chance. (acctually the vm was never booted, because migrator failed to finish).
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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ASKER
an overall great help and very professional and fast answer!
How many ESX hosts do you have?
Have you tried to browse the VMFS store and manually deleting the files?