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Consolidating snapshot of a VM that is not found in Snapshot Manager
Hi,
I have an issue where I have a VM running off a snapshot, but I can't consolidate it the usual way because it 's not visible via the Snapshot Manager.
My issue described here: http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?cmd=displayKC&docType=kc&docTypeID=DT_KB_1_1&externalId=2003638
The problem for me is, this VM has 65 GB C: and 600 GB data drive. I have only 50 GB left on the datastore. I need to take a snapshot of this VM and then delete it immediately afterwards in hopes that it consolidates the other snapshots.
My question is, how do I know that my 50 GB free space will be enough space for the snapshot? Is there a way to determine this?
I have an issue where I have a VM running off a snapshot, but I can't consolidate it the usual way because it 's not visible via the Snapshot Manager.
My issue described here: http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?cmd=displayKC&docType=kc&docTypeID=DT_KB_1_1&externalId=2003638
The problem for me is, this VM has 65 GB C: and 600 GB data drive. I have only 50 GB left on the datastore. I need to take a snapshot of this VM and then delete it immediately afterwards in hopes that it consolidates the other snapshots.
My question is, how do I know that my 50 GB free space will be enough space for the snapshot? Is there a way to determine this?
Last Comment
vmwarun - Arun
One way you could commit the snapshots of a running VM is by using VMware Standalone Converter. Run the wizard and make sure that you convert the VM into a datastore with sufficient space and your issue should be resolved.
ASKER
Yes, I did read that work around, but I don't have a datastore with that kind of space.
If you have stored the snapshot with your VM you will find the file in your VM's folder.
It will be named example-00000x.vmdk(where example is the VM name).
Seeing the size of it you can determine the space you need to consolidate it.
You could use a converter to move it to a different datastore if you do not have space on the current one. If there is just one datastore, i would suggest you to clean up some space.
one suggestion is, if you have enough memory you could set reservations on all VM's for their required memory which will free up swap space that is being used.
Or you could delete unwanted VM's.
It will be named example-00000x.vmdk(where example is the VM name).
Seeing the size of it you can determine the space you need to consolidate it.
You could use a converter to move it to a different datastore if you do not have space on the current one. If there is just one datastore, i would suggest you to clean up some space.
one suggestion is, if you have enough memory you could set reservations on all VM's for their required memory which will free up swap space that is being used.
Or you could delete unwanted VM's.
ASKER
If I turned the virtual machine off and took a snapshot, then attempted to consolidate, would this reduce the amount of space used by the snapshot I created?
Use putty to login through ssh and check how many VMDKs you have in the VM directory. The size of the succeeding snapshot depends on how much data the previous snapshot has recorded.
ASKER
The virtual machine itself has 2 vmdks. One for C: and one for the data drive.
There is two snapshots, so an additional 4 vmdks 000001 and 000002.
Here is a picture showing the disks. Do I add up the size of both 000001 disks and 000002 disks to determine the consolidation size?
exchange-copies.PNG
There is two snapshots, so an additional 4 vmdks 000001 and 000002.
Here is a picture showing the disks. Do I add up the size of both 000001 disks and 000002 disks to determine the consolidation size?
exchange-copies.PNG
Well, the delta sync depends on how much has the VM state changed. For example, if you have performed a service pack upgrade, then the C:\ drive would have changed significantly.
Can you resize the existing LUN by say around 50 GB more?
Can you resize the existing LUN by say around 50 GB more?
Looking at the screenshot you have given it might grow to 80GB at max when you consolidate. not more than that. And it will attain maximum if data is completely stored on the disk. Its better to make sure you have another 50GB like Arun mentioned before consolidating so that you don't run into issues.
Depending on what version of VMware there is an option for "Consolidate Snapshots" in addition to delete all and the Snapshot does not always have to show in the Snapshot manager for this to work.
Another thing you can try is to add a Snapshot and then use Delete All or Consolidate Snapshots. I have seen this work.
I would use the "Consolidate Snapshots" option instead of delete all if you have it.
A lot depends on what version you are running.
http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=1023657
Another good read.
https://www.experts-exchange.com/Software/VMWare/A_10300-HOW-TO-VMware-Snapshots-Be-Patient.html
Another thing you can try is to add a Snapshot and then use Delete All or Consolidate Snapshots. I have seen this work.
I would use the "Consolidate Snapshots" option instead of delete all if you have it.
A lot depends on what version you are running.
http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=1023657
Another good read.
https://www.experts-exchange.com/Software/VMWare/A_10300-HOW-TO-VMware-Snapshots-Be-Patient.html
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ASKER
I will do the above when I find a good time to power off this machine.
Just be cautious and check data store regularly because snapshot will keep increasing.
If data store reaches zero VM will fail on write of snapshot and corruption of snapshot and VM will result causing VM to be corrupted.
So do not wait too long.
If data store reaches zero VM will fail on write of snapshot and corruption of snapshot and VM will result causing VM to be corrupted.
So do not wait too long.
ASKER
All done. Thanks!
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