How to get rid off Zombie vmdk file

[vmk2014]

Hi All,

     We have around 172 VM's VMDK file that's sitting on our SAN, consuming expensive storage, but isn't actually being used by any VM.

    Does any have idea how rid off Zombie vmdk file ? Thanks in advance.

thanks

vmk2014

[rcporto]

Are you asking for some automated way ? If not, just delete this files using the datastore browser.... if you want be more careful, move this files to a different folder before delete them.

[vmk2014]

Hi Rich,

       I am looking for all options but safe option will preferred. Please let me know how to proceed.

Thanks

vmk2014

[SavkoorSuhas]

Instead of straight ahead deleting them, please do the following:

Confirm none of the VMs are using this VMDK.

Login to SSH for host having access to that datastore.

Browse to that directory.

Make a new directory called temp, mkdir temp

Move all these files into this temp directory.

Monitor the environment for a day. If everything appears to be stable you can go ahead and remove them.

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[rcporto · Accepted solution]

If you want be safe, just do like I told you on my previous post... move the zombie file to another folder before delete (if the file is in use you will cannot move the file, since the file will be locked)... and you can just wait some days after move the zombie file and before delete definitively.

[vijayp007]

what is the reason behind creating zombie vmdk file??

what will be prevention from that.??