Datastore creation issue on new host using local storage in Raid configuration

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

When attempting to add a datastore using a Raid volume from a local controller the device is present in the vSphere client under the host and Storage Devices, but does not appear in the New Datastore window.

The volume has previously been deleted and recreated in the controller management interface.

Environment

ESXi (all versions) with storage from local Raid controller

Cause

The LUN had previously been used for system operations.

Deletion and recreation from the local Raid controller did not remove existing partitions or data on the volume.

Resolution

Use partedUtil to remove the existing partitions and rescan storage.

If partedUtil cannot remove all partitions, or remaining metadata on disk prevents use perform the following:

1. Reboot the host into the Raid controller management interface
2. Delete the existing volume in question
3. Use the controller option to reinitialize the physical disks, remove all partitions, or secure erase to ensure all existing partition information and metadata is gone
4. Create a new volume in the desired configuration (Raid 0, 1, 5, 6)
5. Boot the host and verify the new volume is present
6. Create new datastore