vCenter 8.0.3 – VMFS Datastore on ME4024 (ADAPT RAID) Unreadable After Disk Replacement

[hlanr1]

Dear Support Team,

I am currently experiencing a critical issue with a VMFS datastore mounted via vCenter from a Dell ME4024 storage array. The environment is as follows:

• vCenter Version: 8.0.3, Build 24305161

• Storage System: Dell ME4024

• RAID Configuration: ADAPT

The volume was functioning normally until one of the physical disks in the ME4024 failed. After replacing the failed disk and completing the rebuild process, the VMFS datastore is no longer accessible from vCenter.

Attempts to re-map the volume resulted in the system failing to recognize the original storage layout. Upon closer inspection, I discovered that the original VMFS partition has been replaced with four MBR partitions, which is unexpected and concerning.

This datastore contains critical business data, and I urgently need to recover the original volume structure and data without loss. I would greatly appreciate any guidance or assistance in diagnosing this issue and restoring access to the VMFS datastore.

Thank you very much for your support.

[Alexandru Capras]

Some thoughts:

One failed disk should not impact the LUN, especially when using an ADAPT RAID configuration. However, next to those 4 MBR partitions you can also see the original VMFS partition, most likely this suggest a partially corrupted partition table.
You can use the this command from an ESXi to list the partitions and make sure the GPT is still there: partedUtil getptbl /vmfs/devices/disks/<device_ID>

I will link below some posts for you to check out:

https://community.broadcom.com/vmware-cloud-foundation/discussion/how-do-i-recreate-my-datastore-partition-table
https://community.broadcom.com/vmware-cloud-foundation/discussion/recovering-formatted-vmfs-partition

If you need assistance from Broadcom you should raise a case: https://broadcomcms-software.wolkenservicedesk.com/wolken-support/home