datastore1 doesn't empty after deleting Virtual Machine

[danramirez]

Hi guys, I am new to VMware. Using Version ESXi 4.1 U1 and Vsphere Client.

Afeter deleting two of the VMs the disk space on the datastore1 is still the same, Why?

How do I regain that disk space used by the VMs?

Regards,

Daniel

 

[Provogeek]

did you select "Remove from Inventory" or "Delete from Disk"? Sounds to me like you just did a "Remove from Inventory" Browse the datastore and see what is there.



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Brent Schmidt Senior Network Engineer
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[cabraun]

Did you "refresh" your view of the datastore? After deleting if you are just watching the "free space" it will not change until you refresh or if you go out then back in, it will refresh usually.

 

[danramirez]

Provogeek,

Yes I only removed VMs from Inventory, not from disk. I just created a new VM for testing and removed it from disk, then I got my HD space back.

Let me ask you another question:

Can I log in to the console with Alt+F1, root pass/w. then remove all partitions on my Hard Drive using fdisk command? Then reinstall ESXi again? I'd like to install a clean copy of ESXi and then add my VMs.

What worries me is, can I reinstall ESXi from CD even if I remove ALL partitions on my Hard Drive?

Regards,

Daniel

 

[Provogeek]

If you just boot from the ESXi install media you will be given the option to remove all partitions and do a clean install.

I don't do many installs onto disk, I opt to use USB or SD, but I do believe that you are given the option to retain the VMFS partitions on disk, only wipe out the ESXi partitions to get the clean install. This will allow you to save your VMs on the disk as they are. You would then just right click on the VMX file and select to "Add to Inventory" to begin using it.

You can also just download the VM from the datastore prior to re-install.

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Brent Schmidt Senior Network Engineer
Keep IT Simple[/color red]

http://www.kiscc.com

Novell Platinum Partner Microsoft Gold Partner
VMWare Enterprise Partner Citrix Gold Partner