ESXi 4.1 - Dell Poweredge 2850 - Tape backup - Host does not support passthrough configuration

[ktoddsd]

I'm trying to get a tape backup to work on my ESXi host so I can backup my win2003 VM.  I get this error under VMDirectPath, "Host does not support passthrough configuration".  Under Configuration > Storage Adapters > I don't see my tape drive listed.  Also, I noticed that my SCSI controller card is NOT on the HCL (Adaptec 39160).  See.  This is probably why passthrough is NOT working.

So, I was thinking of buying this one (Adaptec 39320) because it does look to be on the list.  Will this solve my problem or is this server too old to get passthrough to work?

[MauroBonder]

check it in hcl http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php?action=search&deviceCategory=server&product...[]=-1&datePosted=-1&partnerId[]=23&formFactorId[]=-1&filterByEVC=0&filterByFT=0&min_sockets=&min_cor...

check requeriments ESX and PCI Compatibility at http://www.vmware.com/pdf/vsp_4_vmdirectpath_host.pdf.

Your hardware not supports.  but if you can, verify all configurations http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=101078...

[Dave_Mishchenko · Accepted solution]

To use VMDirectpath on an Intel server the chipset used must support Intel VT-d (Directed I/O).   I don't beleive that is the case with the 2850 models, but if it were you would see a BIOS option to enable this.  This is a seperate option from VT-x which enables the host to run 64 bit guests.

[ktoddsd]

Okay, so my hardware doesn't support passthrough.  So, there is definitely no way for me to use this tape drive in a virtualized environment?

[ktoddsd]

Also, I have a PE 2950 that I could move the VM to.  Will that support passthrough and allow me to use my tape drive?

[MauroBonder]

if you there a hardware fully compatible with VMware 4.X you can use tape .

check how configure a tape to virtual machine -- > http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1016407 IS POSSIBLE!!!