vCenter Server does not reflect freed up space after clearing the files from a partition.

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

Symptoms:

The storage space on any partition may not be reclaimed post cleanup. 

Running the command:

du -a * | sort -n -r | head -n 20

on the /storage/log directory may show a lower space being used when compared to the output of  df -h

Environment

vCenter Server 6.x/7.x/8.x

Cause

This can happen when the deleted file is in use by any service running on the vCenter Server. 

To check if any process is using the file, run the command: lsof +L1

Resolution

• Check the process using the file using the command : lsof +L1
  
  
• Restart / Stop the services that is using the file with suitable commands. Take caution while stopping or restarting the services. 
  • For example : systemctl restart rsyslog
  • We may also use the kill command as such : kill pid 
    
    
• Verify that the cleared space has been claimed: df -h