"Existing partitions on available disks will be removed" means what?

[spascoe64]

I'm beginning an upgrade from ESX 4.0 to ESXi 4.1.0.  This is an existing infrastructure with ~20 LUNS available over a SAN as well as the local Disk.

In the install process, I chose to install to the local Disk, and got the following Confirm Install message:

Be advised, when ESXi 4.1.0 is initially booted, it will format

local storage that is unformmatted on the host.  Existing

partitions on available disks will be removed.

Now, the part that  raises the hair on the back of my neck is the last sentence.  What is meant by "available disks"?

I'm really hoping that this just means on the chosen install disk (ie. local storage)

I don't really want to have to disconnect my 20+ SAN LUNS before installing to protect them, but on the the other hand,

I REALLY DON'T WANT to lose them...

I've searched the web and only fond a single reference to this message at http://jvfi.co.uk/2011/04/

Hopefully someone can shed some light on this unclear message.

Thanks, Scott

[sergeadam · Accepted solution]

Rule of thumb for the paranoid: Remove all network connections from the host while doing the upgrade.

[arturka]

Hi

If you are 100% sure that you choose correct disk (local disk in your case) installator will destroy all partitions on local disk and create new one.

But if you are not sure about your choose :-), disconnect or remove zoning for upgraded host before proceed with upgrade.

Cheers

Artur

Visit my blog

Please, don't forget the awarding points for "helpful" and/or "correct" answers.

[jamesbowling]

All you need to do is disconnect the fabric and do your install if you are completely unsure about what disk it is installing to.

[spascoe64]

Removing the connection is what I did.  It would be really nice to know the real meaning of "available"