Unable to delete large sized vminst.log within Microsoft Guest OS

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

Symptoms:

• vminst.log file grows up to a large size reducing GuestOS space
• Deleting using process explorer has no change in the behavior
• Stopping vmtools service has no change in the behavior

Environment

VMware vSphere ESXi 6.5
VMware ESXi 6.0.x
VMware ESXi 6.7.x
VMware vSphere ESXi 6.0
VMware ESXi 6.5.x
VMware vSphere ESXi 6.7

Cause

The issue is caused due to a stale lock/process which is not letting the file to be deleted.

Resolution

To solve the issue perform the steps given below:

1. Disable auto update of vmtools in virtual machine settings.

• In the Host or vCenter UI, select the VM
• Right click Edit settings
• Select VM Options tab
• Expand VMware Tools
• Next to Tools Upgrades, ensure box is unchecked next to "Check and upgrade Vmware Tools before each power on"

2. Reboot the Virtual Machine.
3. Log on via console session.
4. Delete the install log for tools.
5. Initiate a vmtools upgrade using interactive method.
6. Complete the tools upgrade via console session.