VM Summary Tab Displays Stale Datastore from Ghost Floppy/ISO Backing

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

• The VM "Summary" tab lists a datastore that contains no actual VM disk files.
• Virtual machine is using only one datastore, still the stale datastore is displayed

Environment

VMware vCenter Server 

Cause

• This occurs because the VM’s configuration file (.vmx) still holds a hardcoded file path to a floppy image (.flp) or ISO that resided on that datastore, even if the device appears disconnected in the vSphere Client.
• The vCenter Server inventory updates based on the strings found within the .vmx file. If the line floppy0.fileName = "/vmfs/volumes/Old_Datastore/image.flp" exists, vCenter maintains that datastore link for backup and management purposes, regardless of the "Connected" status.

Resolution

To resolve this issue and remove Stale Datastore entry, follow the steps below to reconfigure the VM device backing.

 

Method 1:Consolidate/Delete snapshot

A stale snapshot may be "locking" the old configuration in place, In case the VM has Snapshot, consolidate the Snapshot following the steps below.

1. Right-click on the VM > Snapshots > Manage Snapshots.
2. If snapshots exist, click Delete All or Consolidate to commit changes to the base disk.
3. Check if the stale datastore reference disappears after consolidation. If it persists, proceed to Method 2

 

Method 2: Reconfigure via vSphere Client

1. Right-click the VM and select Edit Settings.
2. Locate the CD/DVD Drive and Floppy Drive devices.
3. Change the backing type for these devices to Client Device.  (Note: Ensure no ISO file from the stale datastore is selected.)
4. Click ok
5. Refresh the vSphere Client to see if the datastore reference is removed.
6. If issue persists then proceed to Method 3

 

Method 3: Manually Edit the .vmx File

1. Power off the VM.
2. SSH into the ESXi host where the VM resides.
3. Navigate to the VM folder:

   cd /vmfs/volumes/CURRENT_DATASTORE/VM_NAME/

4. Back up the configuration file: 

   cp VM_NAME.vmx VM_NAME.vmx.bak

5. Open the file for editing: 

   vi VM_NAME.vmx

6. Locate lines starting with floppy0 referencing the old datastore. Modify them to ensure the device is not present or set to "device" backing 

   floppy0.present = "FALSE"
   floppy0.fileName = ""
   floppy0.fileType = "device"

7. Save and exit 

   Esc > : > wq!

     8. Power on the Virtual Machine