Alignment of VMDK ESXi

Similar Questions

• Aligns Partitions in ESXi 4

  I installed a new ESXi 4 server on a HP DL380 G5 server with local hard drives and a controller RAID P400.  The OS partition consists of two 146 G 15K SAS drives in a RAID 1 + 0 (mirrored) configuration.  I read that you need to align the partitions in order to obtain the best performance of e/s, but all the instructions I see are for version 3.x.  (I am the rest of the paper found here: http://www.vmware.com/pdf/esx3_partition_align.pdf).   Is it necessary to align partitions in version 4, or which is done automatically with the installation now?

  Here are the instructions in this document:

  *

  Instructions for VMware VMFS Partition

  Alignment using fdisk

  *

  To verify that your existing partitions are aligned, the command:
  Fdisk-lu
  The result is similar to:
  Starting the device start end blocks Id system
  unknown/dev/sdj1 128 167766794 83883333 + fb
  Alignment of the partitions start at 128. If the starting value is 63 (default), the partition is not aligned.
  If you choose not to use the VI Client and create partitions with vmkfstools, or if you want to
  align the installation default partition before using it, follow these steps to use fdisk to align
  a partition manually from the ESX Server service console:
  1. type fdisk/dev/SD & lt; x & gt; where & lt; x & gt; is the suffix of the device.
  2. determine if any VMware VMFS partition already exists. VMware VMFS partitions are
  identified by a partition system fb ID. Type d to delete to remove these partitions.
  Note: This destroys all data currently residing on VMware VMFS partitions you delete.
  Make sure that you back up the data first if you need.
  3 type n to create a new partition.
  4. type p to create a primary partition.
  5 type 1 to create the partition No. 1.
  6. Select the defaults to use the full disk.
  7. type t to set the system ID. the partition
  8 type fb to set the ID of partition system on fb (VMware VMFS volume).
  9. type x to switch to expert mode.
  10 type b to set the starting point.
  11 type 1 to choose partition 1.
  12. type 128 set to 128 (element of the array allocation size).
  13. type w to write the label information and the partition on the disk.

  Here are the results when I run fdisk-lu:

  ~ # fdisk - lu

  Disk /dev/disks/mpx.vmhba1:C0:T1:L0: 146.7 GB, 146778685440 bytes

  255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 17844 cylinders, total of 286677120 areas

  Units is 1 * 512 sectors is 512 bytes

  Device boot start end blocks Id system

  63 286677119 143338528 /dev/disks/MPX.vmhba1:C0:T1:L0p1 + fb VMFS

  Disk /dev/disks/mpx.vmhba1:C0:T0:L0: 146.7 GB, 146778685440 bytes

  total of 64 heads, 32 sectors/track, 139979 cylinders and 286677120 areas

  Units is 1 * 512 sectors is 512 bytes

  Device boot start end blocks Id system

  8192 1843199 917504 5 extended /dev/disks/MPX.vmhba1:C0:t0:L0p1

  /dev/disks/MPX.vmhba1:C0:t0:L0p2 1843200 10229759 4193280 6 FAT16

  10229760 286677119 138223680 fb VMFS /dev/disks/MPX.vmhba1:C0:t0:L0p3

  /dev/disks/MPX.vmhba1:C0:t0:L0p4 * 32 8191 4080 4 FAT16 & lt; 32 M

  8224 520191 255984 6 FAT16 /dev/disks/MPX.vmhba1:C0:t0:L0p5

  /dev/disks/MPX.vmhba1:C0:t0:L0p6 520224 1032191 255984 6 FAT16

  1032224 1257471 112624 VMKcore fc /dev/disks/MPX.vmhba1:C0:t0:L0p7

  /dev/disks/MPX.vmhba1:C0:t0:L0p8 1257504 1843199 292848 6 FAT16

  Partition table entries are not in the order of disc

  ~ #

  I can't past the first step in the instructions because they say that I should see something like/dev/sd (x) in my outings.  What I got instead is dev/disks/mpx.vmhba1...  Even if I try to substitute my output for which is listed in the output, I get an error message from the console.

  Can you please give me some advice?  I understand that once the ESXi is installed and data warehouses are created using the vClient, all right, but I need to know if I have to align the ESXi installation first, before we get to the creation of data warehouses in ESXi.

  Thanks in advance for your comments,

  Chris

  I just re-read your message. If you create the VMFS partition via the VI client, the partition will be automatically aligned so you don't need to use fdisk to align it. If you are using LInux guests, then you should align the partition within the virtual machine. If you use WIndows clients, and then use diskpart to align the partitions.

• Increasing the VMDK ESXi 4 files...

  How can I increase UN VMDK disk in for a bigger. I have to install the software on one of the VMDK disk but the disk is not big enough, and the system hangs when I try to install the application. Is there a way to do it with vSPhere?

  The whitin vSphere error message is: not enough disk space on the data store. And the machine does not start. I know it's a witch vmdk file.

  If anyone has an idea... Let me know... Eric

  Hello

  Depending on your error message ' is the whitin vSphere error message: not enough space on the data store ", could be the data store is full

  1 as suggested by other experts, please look for snapshots

  2. If the snapshots do not occupy space, then go ahead expansion of the data store. Incase, if the expansion of the data store is not possible, then.

  a. configure VM for reservation of memory, so that .vswp (equivalent to the memory of space) is not created on the data store.

  b. do system drive or any other players on the same data store such as provision to think, that does not require a lot of space

  Kind regards

  Balu.

• by aligning VMDK

  I realize VMware converter v5 and before will take care of the alignment of VMDK.   Converter is however slow dog.

  My question is - a operation of storage vmotion whereby the disc format is changed will provide this alignment?   or maybe svmotion in general?

  Thanks in advance.

  No, the migration/svMotion will not worry comments change of partitioning. Other that the VMware Converter, you might want to take a look at for example straighten upward with an UBER new tool: UBERAlign presentation | Nickapedia or mbralign (see http://kb.vmware.com/kb/2004087).

  André

• 32 NTFS allocation unit size

  I understand the need to align VM vmdk NTFS partitions to the limit of 64 k to match the size of array distribution - however, in the http://www.VMware.com/PDF/esx3_partition_align.PDF the document also States to set to 32 k allocation unit size - please someone can explain this to me?-what is the reason / advantage because I was under the impression that all that was necessary was partition alignment.

  It is also important and adjustable, but it is not at the point of the document. It is common sense to try to adjust this to 64 k or try tunning it for better performance.

  Marcelo Soares

  VMWare Certified Professional 310/410

  Technical Support Engineer

  Globant Argentina

  Review the allocation of points for "useful" or "right" answers.

• ESXi 6.0 - disc alignment - EXC2013 MS - SQL2014

  Hi all

  I think something on the problem of alignment of drive on ESXi 6.0 in combination with MS SQL 2014 or EXC2013.

  It's more a problem possible?

  There are special best practices?

  Thank you in advance for advice.

  Andrea

  There is nothing to fear for you, drive alignment is almost a non-existent problem nowadays unless you manually mess with partition tables yourself and configure suboptimal departure areas.

  ESXi is always automatically (or at least since version 2.x/3.x) VMFS aligned to format partitions on physical block storage volumes.

  Similarly, Windows is by aligning partitions automatically since 2008 Server as well, so you're good.

• Connection usb to esxi host and copy vmdk

  Hello

  I'm trying to migrate a vSphere cluster to another machines.  There is no network connectivity between the 2, so I intend to copy the files vmdk and vmx more via USB directly connected to the host for thoroughput max.  Anyone tried this?  I looked in the documentation and online, and I see that the only supported file systems FAT32 and ext3.  For a 40 GB virtual computer, can I use an ext3 formatted USB key, copy locally and then USB attach themselves to a host on the new cluster and copy?  Anyone see any problems with this?  We are doing this process via a USB port connected to a position of the user and SCPing between the host and the USB port on the network.  I think that cutting the transfer network will speed up the process, currently a 40-50 GB VM takes about 3 hours

  Hello

  I understand that you can read in what she argued, however...

  If there is a KB article while this does not mean that it is supported, it simply means that it is possible and you might be able to use it if the need is high enough. For example, in case of problems you can risk some stability/performance and fix the most urgent problem at hand, as a critical VM that was on a LUN which disappeared earlier that day there so that you only restore backup on a USB drive.

  Also note the supplement "additional note" at the bottom of the KB that you are facing

  Quote (my highlighting):

  More information

  The USB key must be a minimum of 4 GB in size. This procedure is not recommended for basic file transfers.

  This procedure includes steps on disabling the intercom USB host function. Then earlier in the article that they use the same feature to connect the USB drive to the guest.

  If this isn't everything, they use the DCUI for mode of tech support that their link in an article KB1017910 to using the console is already a bit dodgy on a production host. About using the console for day-to-day operations is a no No

  Another quote, this time from this KB article, underscores once again with me.

  Tech Support Mode

  Tech Support Mode (TSM) provides a command line interface that can be used by the Administrator to troubleshoot and correct abnormal conditionson hosts VMware ESXi. TSM is accessible in two ways:

  • Connecting directly to the ESXi Server console.
  • Remote SSH connection.

  Further down in this article, it is pointed out again that it is for support only, I would say is something different as 'supported environment.

  It does not mean that you can not and never use should the DCUI, but be careful.

  Back on the focus to what you're trying to do.

  If your USB drive is broken, you now have a hypervisor that attempts to mount it to the level of the hypervisor, which, in itself, can cause downtime at the level of the hypervisor risks of release for ALL your guests. USB transfer at least maintains these problems located in the virtual machine, it is attached to.

  Besides that... the only system files that you can mount is VFAT, so you can't even put files there that are larger than 2 GB (or 4 GB) in size.

  File systems ext2/ext3/ext4 that none of those who are supported, VFAT only for your external USB drive.

  Yes there are ways around the VFAT file size limit too, but you're just jumping through the next pole, and if something's not going then your users is satisfied by the retoric "but backups are faster".

  --

  Wil

• ESXi 5.5, 5 VMFS datastore / vmdk size question

  Trying to check that I understand the vmdk for esxi 5.5 size limitation.

  If I have a VMFS 5 existing on my 5.0 esxi hosts, data store once I update my hosts to esxi 5.5 that I would then be able to have vm with vmdk is greater than 2 TB?

  I don't have to create new warehouses of data VMFS 5 after the upgrade to esxi5.5 take advanrage of the change in file size limit?

  Thanks for any help.

  That's right, at least in part. In addition to the upgrade of the host, you must also upgrade the hardware version of the virtual machine (Compatibility Mode) to take advantage of larger virtual disks (up to ~ to 62). However, always keep in mind the time needed to restore the virtual disk together where this is necessary. With 1 Gbps - assuming that you have the full available bandwidth - 2 TB will require more than 5 hours already! Then maybe organize the data in several virtual disks may be a better solution.

  André

• ESXi 5.5 - move datastore only different verses of the primary VMDK file?

  ESXi 5.5 installed on Dell R720(2 mirrored hard drives which is Data Store1) and connected to the Dell 3220 storage cabinet that is listed as a 3220 in data stores. I recently converted a Server 2003 physical to virtual (2003Server). I noticed that the VM 2003Server folder has been created the data store Dell3220 and contained everything except the vmdk file located in a folder called 2003server in DataStore1. There's a cliché that was created during the conversion process. This snapshot should be able to be removed. What is the right way to move the vmdk file to the folder in vm on the data store 3220 2003Server? Here's what I think the correct way to do it, but I want to make sure that it is a production server

  1. turn off the virtual machine

  2. remove/delete all snapshots

  3. copy or move the file to the Datastore1 to the data store 3220 2003server.vmdk

  4. change the settings and add another hard drive... pointing to the file OK datastore/folder/2003server.vmdk

  5. click on ok

  6 change settings and delete it from your hard drive 1 and choose the option to remove the virtual machine.

  7. click on OK

  8 turn on the virtual machine

  9 fact

  As you only ESXi host (no vCenter):

  The steps you plan to sense.

  I'm assuming that:

  -You have a virtual machine with 2 VMDK: a VMDK on DS1 & an another VM on DS2. Now you want all files of the virtual machine (the two VMDK and vmx etc.)

  1. turn off the power the virtual computer.

  2 remove snapshots

  3. go to the data store where to move VMDK is there.

  4 right-click the VMDK & click MOVE (copy may not work in VI client data warehouses)

  5. Select the another data store where you want to keep this VMDK. Wait the VMDK is migrated.

  6 change seetings > click VMDK that was moved (it will have previous VMDK PATH, so now VM can not turn on) > delete this VMDK

  7. yet once change settings > click Add > hard disk > select existing virtual disk > select the VMDK which moved earlier. > OK

  8. now you should be able to power on the virtual machine.

  Note: This should work with primary VMDK as well.

  Let me know if you have any questions

• VMware ESXi 5.0 - "move to" data store a vmdk file has left at the original location

  Hi all

  I had to free up space on a SAN data store.  For this I used the function "move to...". "browser data store in VsphereClient.

  Did not notice directly but after I moved my E: drive vmdk file, he took no source data store.

  How can I make sure that vmdk (the source data store) may be deleted without impact on the vm?

  1. If 'vmkfstools d' report without lock, so I guess I could assume it is safe? Is there another way to check?

  2 vmkfstools seems not having the '-d' option in vSphere CLI? (East - this only accessible from ssh console on an ESXi? quid vCenter then?)

  In the data store, the files were:

  -Vm\win2k8_data.vmdk [SAN03] (data disk D :)

  -[SAN03] vm\win2k8_data - ctk.vmdk (-ctk looks that it has been created by Veeam)

  -[SAN03] vm\win2k8_transactlog.vmdk (E: transaction log 128 GB drive)

  -[SAN03] vm\win2k8_transact - ctk.vmdk (-ctk always assuming that it was created by Veeam ~ 8 MB)

  Steps to follow:

  -J' turned off the virtual machine using these car

  S ' installs 2 files on the E: drive

  -Removed the vm disk (<-my mistake? maybe this step left a lock file? in power vm off?)

  -Added the disk from the data store where I copied it

  Thanks for the help!

  behd

  Hi Behd,

  The best way to check if the vmdk on the source is not being used would be to add this vmdk to an existing virtual computer and turn on... ? If not used or is locked by one that turns on with success.

  If it has an instance running it wouldn't let you put under tension and raise an error of file locking. ?

  Avinash-

• ESXi 5.1 vMotion migration of VM with 2 vmdk: a SAN storage and other storage facilities

  Hi all:

  I got a two host clusters that uses a shared SAN storage where my VM files are stored. Storage hosts is an aggregation of the two 1 Gbps link

  path and so efficient throughput of 2 Gbps.

  Now I need to install a virtual machine that will host our proxy server (Squid). Proxy servers needs a flow of large I/O structure of the disk cache. So I'm

  Whereas by deploying somehow using two VMDK. One with the operating system and software, say vm.vmdk file and the other to the cache on the disk,

  tell the vm - 1.vmdk file.

  My idea is to put the file vm.vmdk on the storage, as well as other VM, I got, by putting the vm - 1.vmdk file to local storage, so does not link of 2 Gbps. say that

  This SAN storage named "san_storage", host local storage is named 'a_local_storage' and local storage of host B is named 'b_local_storage '. So vm.vmdk is

  on "san_storage/vm/vm.vmdk" and is shared both host A and B. say that VM begins to run on host A, vm - 1.vmdk file is "a_local_storage/vm/vm-1.vmdk".

  I would like to know is there is a way, by script or so, to change the configuration of the virtual machine in a way which when I do a host migration has to B, the second disc of the host

  virtual machine will be disconnected "a_local_storage/vm/vm-1vmdk" and will be linked to "b_local_storage/vm/vm-1.vmdk" at VM startup on host B.

  I don't want to copy 'vm - 1.vmdk' from one host to another, because the proxy server parce que le serveur proxy peut peut fills again.

  Is it possible to do? Or is - anyone has another solution?

  I use ESXi 5.1.0 799733 on the two hosts with a license that allows vMotion and using vCenter 5.1.0.5300 build 947940 to manage.

  concerning

  Lucas Brasilino

  You can use the powercli to edit the vmx (offline) configuration file

• Try to use the converter to push a VMX and VMDK existing in the environment file. Have you tried the Converter 4.3 and 5.0, continues to crash or delay. A 5.1 with ESXI 5.1 vCenter server hosts going conversion.

  Try to use the converter to push a VMX and VMDK existing in the environment file. Have you tried the Converter 4.3 and 5.0, continues to crash or delay. A 5.1 with ESXI 5.1 vCenter server hosts going conversion.

  Take a look at this article. You can try Converter standalone 5.0.1 or 5.1 beta.

  http://KB.VMware.com/kb/2033315

• Can esxi 5.1 open vmdk workstation 8?

  Hello, I am new to VMware,

  I just downloaded VMware vCenter Converter Standalone Client and our physical machine to convert vmdk to vmware workstation 8.x files.

  We plan to install esxi 5.1 on this server, and I wonder if I can open the vmdk files?

  Thank you

  Jason

  Yes.

  (1) convert would first be executed on the physical server to create a virtual machine in VMware Workstation-ready as a set of flat files (.) VMDK. VMX, etc.).

  (2) install Workstation or Player and make sure that the VM P2V conversion actually starts and works as expected. Now is the time to test it.

  (3) install ESXi on the physical server that you just take a P2V image of.

  (4) run Vmware Converter and choose VMware Workstation source type and choose the P2V image. Then select the ESXi server as a host for it.

• File VMDK to transfer to my ESXI Server

  Hi all

  I got a few images to the VMDK format and I want to transfer them to my ESXI server. I tried to use the converter tool. but it's not allowed because of the format.

  any help will be appreciated

  great to hear

  Here is a step by step, in case you need it, but I think that you have already deployed it

  http://sparrowangelstechnology.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-to-import-and-deploy-ova-or-OVF.html

• alignment of drive in ESXi

  Hello

  I read in all the forums that the creation of a store of data using vSphere automatically aligns him data store to the SAN LUNS. However, I him have not seen in any "official" such as white paper or best practices document VMware... Therefore, it would be great if someone could tell me where to find as statement.

  Thank you!

  With ESXi 5.0 alignment is automatically take care...

  Some useful documents on this

  http://www.VMware.com/PDF/Perf_Best_Practices_vSphere5.0.PDF (see Page 31)

  http://blogs.VMware.com/vSphere/2011/08/guest-OS-partition-alignment.html

  http://blogs.VMware.com/vSphere/2011/08/vSphere-50-storage-features-part-7-GPT.html