Access VMFS (or FAT) partitions via install cd?

[spaceinvader]

Hi!

Is there any (easy!) way to access vmfs partitions of an ESXi 4 u1 host, i.e. via install cd?

I'm trying to mount a recognized device on a host started from install cd and Alt-F1/unsupported:

mount -t vmfs /dev/disks/mpx.vmhba1\:C0\:T0:L0:3 /mymnt/part3

But it results in "No such device" (strange - because it wouldn't be in /dev/disks/ if it would be "no such device"; even the repair part of the install cd is recognizing the hdd devices).

(Access to the non-vmfs partitions is successful with Knoppix 6 Live DVD.)

By the way: How can I switch to the alternative hypervisor? Shift+R (recognized only if pressed really early, before the first ESX loader screen appears) only brings up a Syslinux boot prompt ("boot:").

Thanks a lot!

[NTurnbull]

Hi, not exactally sure what you want to do but the vmfs volumes are under /vmfs

Thanks,

Neil

[spaceinvader]

Hi, not exactally sure what you want to do but the vmfs volumes are under /vmfs

Starting the host from an alternative OS like a Linux live DVD or from ESXi install CD to do repair tasks. Accessing genuine ESXi created partitions on the hosts HDDs.

So I've to mount them from within this alternative start media.

Thanks!

[Dave_Mishchenko]

A couple of options -

1) http://code.google.com/p/vmfs/

2) MOA from sanbarrow.com will allow you to create a Live CD and you can then start ESXi as a VM.

I'll have to look at trying it from the install CD for ESXi.




Dave

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[DSTAVERT]

Dave

There might be a repair boot option from the ESX CD?

[DSTAVERT]

This could also be a time to try an ESXi USB boot as well.

[spaceinvader]

This could also be a time to try an ESXi USB boot as well.

</div>

Indeed! A nice idea!

(And you're sure that from an ESXi USB install host partitions are mountable? (Where is the difference to install cd boot and Alt-F1 console?))

[spaceinvader]

Dave

There might be a repair boot option from the ESX CD?

Thanks!

Yes, there is a repair option if the ESX cd is fully loaded. (But I didn't want to run (unknown and not controlable) automatic repair functions which can do things more bad.)

[DSTAVERT]

Yes, there is a repair option if the ESX cd is fully loaded. (But I didn't want to run (unknown and not controlable) automatic repair functions which can do things more bad.)

I was posting that to Dave Mishchenko if he was going to test. Not a wise thing to do on production if you don't know the outcome.

[Dave_Mishchenko]

Mounting a VMFS datastore with the install CD turns out to be a very easy process - http://www.vm-help.com/esx40i/mount_VMFS_during_an_install.php. But I would stick with the repair option or sticking in a USB stick with ESXi on it.




Dave

VMware Communities User Moderator

Now available - vSphere Quick Start Guide

Do you have a system or PCI card working with VMDirectPath? Submit your specs to the Unofficial VMDirectPath HCL.

[spaceinvader]

Hi Dave!

Thank you for your tip! "vmkload_mod vmfs3" and "vmkfstools -V" successfully mounts my existing vmfs partitions (booted from VMware ESXi 4.0 install cd)! (This info would be hard to find without your help...)

(By the way: "-V " isn't listed on vmkfstools help page ('vmkfstools 2&gt;&1|less').)

Meanwhile I could solve my problems with access to the FAT16 partitions (the hypervisors), booting with a Linux Live DVD (Knoppix 6.1), like described above. But I'm already curious about how to mount a FAT16 partition from VMware ESXi install cd, too.

mount -t vfat /dev/disks/mpx.vmhba1\:C0\:T0:L0:2 /mymnt/part2 results in "No such device", too.

[DSTAVERT]

By the way: How can I switch to the alternative hypervisor? Shift+R (recognized only if pressed really early, before the first ESX loader screen appears) only brings up a Syslinux boot prompt ("boot:").

Shift R during the first appearance of yellow screen if I remember.

[spaceinvader]

By the way: How can I switch to the alternative hypervisor? Shift+R (recognized only if pressed really early, before the first ESX loader screen appears) only brings up a Syslinux boot prompt ("boot:").

Shift R during the first appearance of yellow screen if I remember.

Unfortunately not (just tested) -&gt; ESXi 4.0 Update 1

[DSTAVERT]

Shift + R works just fine in 4 u1.

[spaceinvader]

Hi DSTAVERT!

Shift + R works just fine in 4 u1.

Thanks, but I'm not able to get Shift + R working (I'm on 4 u1, too). (I didn't notice any effect - except thy SYSLINUX prompt, described above.)

Even if I'm pressing Shift + R immediately if the yellow screen appears.

What should come up if it would work? An additional question like "Really switch to former version?"? Or an immediate / invisible switch to former version?

[DSTAVERT]

Wait until the Loading VMware Hypervisor screen starts before using Shift R. You will get a prompt and have the option to cancel.

[spaceinvader]

Strange: I'm not able to invoke the Shift + R option screen.

I've already checked left Shift + R, and right Shift + R, too.

(The "Loading VMWare Hypervisor" is the first screen (black/white) with progress bar before the yellow/grey screen appears.)

I've tapped on Shift + R during the whole boot process to get the right moment - no success.

Perhaps after updating from ESXi 4.0.0 to ESXi 4.0.0 Update 1 it should be possible, shouldn't it?

[DSTAVERT]

It hasn't made a difference upgrade or not. Try a different keyboard or PS2, enable USB legacy or disable it.

[spaceinvader]

HI DSTAVERT!

It hasn't made a difference upgrade or not. Try a different keyboard or PS2, enable USB legacy or disable it.

</div>(Differences: I suppose without upgrades or patches there is no option to revert to former version. But I don't know if the option is offered without updates at all.)

Keyboard: nice idea, thanks! I'd a PS/2 keyboard, already - however connected via a kvm switch, but this should be the reason (I didn't have tested directly connected until now).

Meanwhile I'd alternatively booted the host via an (already updated) ESXi 4 U1 on an USB key. This instance let me choose to revert via Shift-R.

(By the way: have to be pressed during "Loading VMware Hypervisor" (the black screen with progress bar, before yellow/grey screen).)

So something have to be wrong with the hard disk installed ESXi 4 U1 instance...

[DSTAVERT]

If the USB works there is no reason you can't use that as your working install. I much prefer the USB install.