Safely removing a small VMFS datastore from ESXi host SAN boot volume
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Safely removing a small VMFS datastore from ESXi host SAN boot volume

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Article ID: 372015

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Updated On:

Products

VMware vSphere ESXi VMware vSphere ESXi 7.0 VMware vSphere ESXi 8.0

Issue/Introduction

This article describes how to safely remove a small VMFS datastore created on an ESXi host's SAN boot volume without affecting the host's ability to boot.

Environment

  • ESXi 7.0 or later
  • SAN boot volume larger than 128 GB
  • Small VMFS datastore automatically created on the boot volume

Cause

For boot devices larger than 128 GB, ESXi automatically creates a small VMFS datastore. While this datastore isn't essential for host functionality, some administrators may wish to remove it to reclaim space or simplify their storage layout.

Resolution

Follow these steps to safely remove the small VMFS datastore.

Warning: The below steps is a destructive task. Ensure to back up the host configuration (Step 4) and verify that no critical data is stored on the datastore before removal. If unsure, contact VMware by Broadcom support for assistance.

  1. Verify the current partition layout
    1. Run the command:

      esxcfg-scsidevs -m | grep <device_id>

    2. Run the command:

      partedUtil getptbl /vmfs/devices/disks/<device_id>

  2. Identify the partition number of the small VMFS datastore (usually the last partition).

  3. Ensure the datastore is empty
    • Check for any VMs or important data.

      Note: System folders like .sdd.sf can be safely ignored.

  4. Back up the ESXi host configuration
    1. Run the command:

      vim-cmd hostsvc/firmware/backup_config

    2. Save the backup file to a secure location.

  5. Remove the datastore
    1. In the vSphere Client, navigate to Storage.
    2. Right-click the datastore and select "Unmount".
    3. Right-click again and select "Delete".

  6. Update the partition table
    • To remove the partition, use the command:

      partedUtil delete

      Example

      partedUtil delete /vmfs/devices/disks/<device_id> <partition_number>

  7. Verify the changes
    1. Re-run the commands from step 1 to confirm the partition was removed.
    2. Ensure all other partitions, especially the ESX-OSData volume, remain intact.

  8. Reboot the ESXi host to ensure it boots correctly.

Additional Information

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