Switching from ATA mode to AHCI mode

[loligator]

Hello all,

I have ESXi 4 update 1 running on a Dell PowerEdge SC1425. I've been trying to resolve some datastore access issues. All the datastores are on internal SATA disks with no RAID configuration (the server does not have a RAID card). I noticed today the SATA drives are running in ATA/IDE mode. Can I safely enable SATA/AHCI without needing to reinstall ESXi? If I switch to ATA mode and the server does not boot, can I simply revert back to ATA mode and all will be well? Is there a possibility of my data becoming unaccessible?

Thanks

[marcelo_soares]

I think it will not work, but you can try and go back to ata in this case. If it does not work, you will need to reinstall/repair the ESX for booting from another device. I really think the installation have a repair option.

Marcelo Soares

VMWare Certified Professional 310/410

Virtualization Tech Master

Globant Argentina

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[DSTAVERT]

You could try installing ESXi to a USB flash disk and making your changes. Disconnect the SATA disks before installing to flash. Once installed to flash reconnect your SATA disks. If ESXi reads your datastore you are OK. If not pull out the flash disk and you will be back to the way you were. I would make sure you have copies of your VM's before doing any changes just to be sure.

[loligator]

I figured it wouldn't be as simple as switching the mode due to the different disk types. Oh well. I'll give it a try soon and let everyone know how it goes.