VxRail Delete Space vCenter 8.0.3

[RANDY WHITE]

On one of my VM File servers, I had to add an additional 6 TB drive (E:)

I finished that project.  So I went to the configuration and removed E: selecting only "Remove Device" instead of "Remove device and data", the thinking was, I'll kill the vmdk file later and make absolute sure I wasn't removing D:

Welp, that removed E:, but for whatever reason, the vmdk file was combined and I cannot reclaim the 6TB that I desperately need.  Any ideas?

[Shen88]

@RANDY WHITE,

Hey, When you choose "Remove Device" instead of "Remove Device and Delete Files", the VMDK file remains on the datastore, and depending on how the disk was provisioned or removed, it might still be referenced in the VM configuration or orphaned in a way that prevents space reclamation.

Well, as of now I would suggest you the following.

1. Check VM Configuration
Power off the VM and under settings verify if the vmdk is still attached/shows up as an unused disk. If listed, you may delete from disk

2. Manually locating the VMDK
From the vCenter datastore browser look for any orphaned .vmdk / .flat.vmdk files that relates to 'E' drive by confirming the size of 6TB. If yes, delete it manually from datastore.

3. Check for Snapshots
Snapshots can retain references to deleted disks. Consolidate all snapshots before attempting deletion.

Lastly, If you're using vSAN under VxRail, space isn't always reclaimed immediately due to chunk allocation and deduplication. You might need to 'Run a vSAN proactive rebalance'

Let me know how it goes.

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If you find this answer right, please 'Recommend' this post.

Thank you!

Regards,
Shen
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[RANDY WHITE]

Thank you so much for the reply!  They VMDK file is sitting at 12 TB now.  The C was added and added to along the way.  When I added the most recent 6 TB drive (E), sadly the (C) was at 6 TB also.  I have not shut down the machine to take a look at the VMDK files, but I will tonight.  Also I did turn on vSAN proactive rebalance, so far nothing has happened or changed there.  I'll report back tomorrow.

[RANDY WHITE]

No luck at all.  The Drive was created after the D: drive.  D=6TB, and I created a seperate E: or 6TB, yet they are combined just like the picture screen shot shows.  Nothing changed after the reboot, drive still appears to be combined.  I've enabled the Rebalancing, but can't tell that it has done anything.  I can't kick it off because there is no Warning for it.

[RANDY WHITE]

Does anyone else have an idea?  Seems like this would be pretty common?

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