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racom
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"Select virtual disk format" error

I try to configure replication for VM with disks on two storages. I was following Ken Werneburg blog but I get "Select virtual disk format" error every time I can use advanced disk configuration. How to continue?

VR_error.png

We use single vCenter server scenario.

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Biliana
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I guess that the only workaround for you then is to rename the vmdk files. Make sure that you backup your VM first or clone it somewhere for testing purpose to see if this will work for you. Here is a KB article that describes how to rename VMDK files of a VM http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=100249.... Hope that this will be helpful to you.

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Biliana
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Hi, this is a known issue with NFS type of datastores when using the replication wizard in advanced mode. As a workaround you can use the wizard in basic mode (set all disks to be replicated to one and the same location) or use VMFS type of datastores if you would like to use advanced mode.

a_p_
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Just a quick note. Starting replication for a VM with snapshots (as in the example above) can be quite confusing later on, because the target virtual disk will inherit the snapshot name although it's no snapshot.

Maybe something VMware should workaround by either warning the user in case there's an active snapshot on the source or by generally using the base disk's name.

André

racom
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Thanks for an answer.

It's problem on target side 'cause iSCSI still doesn't work for our Synology NAS. Is some other way as to rename source disks?

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Biliana
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Just to clarify if this is your case - do you have disks with the same name on your source datastores? If so, the wizard will be forcibly opened in advanced disk mode.

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racom
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Thanks for your notice. I'm wondering how you can know it from screenshot. I see nothing 😞 Warning message would be useful anyway.

Is there any cooperation between VDP and VR? vSphere Data Protection makes snapshots for backup and vSphere Replication runs for the same VMs.

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Biliana
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Hi,

Snapshot file names use a syntax <vm-name>-000001.vmdk (this can be seen from the screenshot).

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racom
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Yes. Three disks are on VMFS storage and three on NFS storage.

But the same problem with other VM with five discs distributed on three VMFS storages. I can't pass through first disk configuration.

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Biliana
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I guess that the only workaround for you then is to rename the vmdk files. Make sure that you backup your VM first or clone it somewhere for testing purpose to see if this will work for you. Here is a KB article that describes how to rename VMDK files of a VM http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=100249.... Hope that this will be helpful to you.

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racom
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After renaming of vmdk files it works well. Thanks.

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Inteproreal
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I know this has been answered but wanted to reply to this thread. I ran into this issue today, it's been resolved in ESXi 5.1 Update 1, per the release notes:

VMware vSphere Replication 5.1.1 Release Notes

Under the "Resolved Problems" section:

  • Configuring replication in advanced mode when the
    target location is on NFS datastore results in Select virtual disk
    format
    error message
    .
    This issue is resolved in this release.
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racom
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Thanks for an info. I've updated vSphere Replication yet so I'll try it with some new VM.

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