asked on migrating esxi server install to usd drive - what happens to existing datastore
we are rebuilding our esxi server - currently installed on mirrored drives. We have 2 mirrored sets - 1 with OS and 1 with Datastores. We are going to install esxi on a usb drive and replace the existing os drives with higher capacity drives.
The question is:
If we install esxi on a usb drive on our existing server, will it be able to see the datastores on our data drives?
Will the vmware install overwrite our existing datastores or reformat them?
Any help is appreciated.
thank you,
The question is:
If we install esxi on a usb drive on our existing server, will it be able to see the datastores on our data drives?
Will the vmware install overwrite our existing datastores or reformat them?
Any help is appreciated.
thank you,
VMware
Last Comment
Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)
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Nothing will happen, but please make sure you have a backup of the vmfs datastore, ive seen a few instances where the datastores were reformatted. whoops!
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I would backup in either case...just in case the ESXi install doesn't pick up the signature and resignatures the volume.
the only reason why i was suggesting to disconnect and reconnect is to avoid disk utilization for the backup.
However, backup of the VMFS volumes is always recommended.
paul:
on a side note i believe the resignatures was a issue in ESX 3.5 and vsphere 4.0 and this seems to have been fixed in vsphere 4.1
i had recently run into this issue of resignatures and while working on that i came up on this information.
otherwise one can always resignature the volumes from the VI client or using vspherecli or esxcfg tools
regards
bhanu
However, backup of the VMFS volumes is always recommended.
paul:
on a side note i believe the resignatures was a issue in ESX 3.5 and vsphere 4.0 and this seems to have been fixed in vsphere 4.1
i had recently run into this issue of resignatures and while working on that i came up on this information.
otherwise one can always resignature the volumes from the VI client or using vspherecli or esxcfg tools
regards
bhanu
I agree but I wouldn't want to be the 1 in 100 where it just doesn't work. I've had good results as well but how much do you like your job when it doesn't go well.
yes very true, a workaround is not always the best path to follow
egrotjahn,
you have the suggestions now so make your plan and post back if you run into issues and paul,coolsport, hanccocka are there for expert advise.
regards
bhanu
egrotjahn,
you have the suggestions now so make your plan and post back if you run into issues and paul,coolsport, hanccocka are there for expert advise.
regards
bhanu
You should always have valid backups before any configuration change. He/she who does not either does not follow good change management practices, and is at risk of service outages.