Error: Invalid virtual machine state - Unable to delete the Virtual Machine due to incomplete disk information

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

When attempting to delete a virtual machine or a template in vCenter Server, the task fails. This issue is commonly seen with Horizon Instant Clone templates or VMs with corrupted snapshots.

• Deletion fails with: Invalid virtual machine state. Unable to delete the Virtual Machine as it has incomplete disk information.
• The VM Summary tab displays a banner: Some of the disks of the virtual machine #### failed to load. The information present for them in the virtual machine configuration may be incomplete.
• One or more hard disks in the VM hardware configuration reflect a size of 0 MB.

Environment

• VMware vCenter Server 7.x / 8.x
• VMware vSphere ESXi 7.x / 8.x
• VMware Horizon (Instant Clone Templates)

Cause

This error occurs when the VM configuration (.vmx) references virtual disk files (.vmdk) that are missing, inaccessible, or have corrupted descriptor files. vCenter prevents deletion to ensure disk integrity.

Resolution

1. Power off the virtual machine.
2. Right-click the VM and select Edit Settings.
3. Locate any hard disk showing 0 MB or marked as Inaccessible.
4. Remove the stale disk(s) from the configuration and save settings.
5. Retry the Delete from Disk operation.

CAUTION: Selecting Delete from Disk permanently removes all descriptor, data (.vmdk), and configuration (.vmx) files from the datastore. To prevent irreversible data loss, you must verify the disk identity and ensure a valid, recoverable backup is available before proceeding.

 

Alternative Resolution (Host Level):

1. Log into the ESXi Host Client (UI) where the VM is registered.
2. Right-click the VM object and select Delete.
3. Return to the vSphere Client. If the VM appears as "Inaccessible," right-click it and select Remove from Inventory.