VMware Cloud Community
_mduchaine_
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

Rename datastore folder VM part of MSCS cluster with shared RDM disks

Hi Experts,

I have a 2 node MS SQL cluster using MSCS, running on ESXi 6.5. Standard CAB approach: C drive is a normal vmdk, database and quorum drives are physical RDMs.

I've been asked to rename the name of both virtual machines, with the explicit request to have the folder name in the datastore match the VM name.

In the past, I would detach the RDMs, storage vmotion the VM(s) and re-attach the RDMs.

Is there a better way of achieving this on 6.5?

Thanks in avance,

Mike

Reply
0 Kudos
5 Replies
SureshKumarMuth
Commander
Commander

To rename the VM and its corresponding files, still I feel svmotion is the best option even in 6.5/6.7.

Regards,
Suresh
https://vconnectit.wordpress.com/
Reply
0 Kudos
_mduchaine_
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

It's detaching the RDMs I would like to avoid, if possible :smileycool:.

Will a cold svmotion work with RDMs still attached to the VMs?

Reply
0 Kudos
SureshKumarMuth
Commander
Commander

Yes, if it is physical RDM then you can do svmotion without detaching it. However, sometimes we may face run time issue, during that time, we have to detach and reattach after svmotion which is unavoidable. We faced that scenario once.

Regards,
Suresh
https://vconnectit.wordpress.com/
Reply
0 Kudos
VysakhNair
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

I understand that you need to rename VM and the respective folder in Datastore of a MSCS SQL Cluster

1. Plan the Database downtime

2. Collect the details of disks(data/log/Quorum) mapped and drive letters on the server

3.Take Backup of the Databases

4.Shutdown both Servers

5. Remove RDM disk on both server(Note down the Compatibility Mode and Type)

6. Rename both VM and do a storage vMotion to new Datastore -Now your VM, VM Folder and VMDKs will show new name

7. Add RDM disk one by one according to the configuration it was having before and save the RDM points on First node folder

8. Add existing disk on second VM and point to the RDM pointers respectively with same configuration

9. Power first VM, Make sure all drive letters are same, If everything is same the Microsoft Cluster and MSSQL service will come up automatically

10. If any changes in drive letter, change the drive letters as it was before and Bring Microsoft Cluster up, and then MSSQL cluster

Please consider marking this answer "correct" or "helpful" if you think your question have been answered correctly. Vysakh Nair Blog - https://www.vxpert.in
Reply
0 Kudos
_mduchaine_
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

Hi Vysakh,

The original question was if it is possible to rename the folder without detaching the RDMs.

There were some changes introduced in 6.5 around RDM handling that made me wonder

if it had become possible to do a cold storage vmotion with RDM still attached.

Cheers,

Reply
0 Kudos