How to delete a Virtual Machine in VMWare ESX 4.0.0

[Beyroz]

We currently have 4 vms in our ESX 4.0.0  environment.  When trying to turn one on, it says "Insufficient Disk Space in Data Store"

We have not turned that vm on in the past 3 years, so we do not need any of the information formerly stored in that machine.

My goal is to delete the VM and use the space to create a new VM.

I am new to this environment, and I am not really sure what is the difference between Remove it from Inventory and Delete from Disk?

Thank you

Beyroz.

[rcporto]

If the goal is release the space to create a new VM, you have to choose the option "Delete from Disk" since this option will remove the VM from inventory and delete the files from datastore and then releasing the space. If you choose only Remove from Inventory, the VM will not be deleted from the datastore and no space will be released.

[AdilArif]

Hi Beyroz,

Here are the links that will help you.

VMware vSphere 4 - ESX and vCenter Server

VMware vSphere 4 - ESX and vCenter Server

[AdarshGowda]

Hi Beyroz,

For freeing space (delete from disk ) :

if you want to delete virtual machine+associated HDD(Storage/memory) go for "Delete From Disk option" (once you delete the VM from disk you cant undo  and you dont get any data or configurations of deleted VM)

Remove From Inventory:

only removes from the Vsphere inventory and till you can get the .VMDK-HDD file and another associated files in the storage. (you can rebuild the VM as it was before removing from inventory)

Regards,

Adarsh.