vmkfs question

[mconsidi]

If I use vmkfstools to append a partition to another, (ex: vmkfstools -Z vmhba0:0:0:2 vmhba0:0:0:1) I realize that I will destroy one partition. (vmhba0:0:0:2) My question is, will the other partition be lost or otherwise impaired?

I'm looking at an ESX 3.5.0, 64607 server that's stubbornly refused prior attempts to merge the partitions.

[RParker]

Well that's called an extent, but I wouldn't do that. It's not a good idea. Also if you must do it, do it from the VIC, it's much easier, less chance for typo's.

And no it should not destroy the partition, it just becomes additional space to the SAN.

ESX 4.0 will take care of this, you will be able to resize VMFS datastores on the fly (no extents needed)

[mconsidi]

Thank you.

I should clarify - the two partitions are on the same LUN, preventing either from being offered as a valid choice by VIC.

[RParker]

Well that would be dangerous. If both LUNS are in use, you can't merge them anyway, one would have to be blank to add that space to an existing LUN. If you are going to destroy it anyway, just delete both LUN's, move the VM's off, then move them back, after you create it as one large LUN. You are asking for trouble to merge 2 partitions in this way, and if you value your data at all you won't even attempt it.

[Texiwill]

Hello,

When there is a metadata update ESX locks the ENTIRE LUN. THat is why there is a one VMFS for every LUN rule. If you have two VMFS' on each LUN then when one Locks so does the other. This is not a good thing.

Best regards,

Edward L. Haletky

VMware Communities User Moderator

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Author of the book 'VMWare ESX Server in the Enterprise: Planning and Securing Virtualization Servers', Copyright 2008 Pearson Education.

CIO Virtualization Blog: http://www.cio.com/blog/index/topic/168354

As well as the Virtualization Wiki at http://www.astroarch.com/wiki/index.php/Virtualization