Server shows Invalid after ESX power down

[mjcb]

Hello,

We recently powered down our data center and when we brought it back up, one of my VMs was not listed in the VI. I found the VM in the data store and added it to the inventory, but it is grayed out and shows (invalid) beside it. The server has a snapshot, so I am not able to restore the full thing from backup.

What can I do to fix this?

I am running ESX 3.5 Update 1.

Thanks,

[IB_IT]

if you have an orphaned or invalid entry that exists in the VI to this server, then you need to remove it from inventory, and then add it back in. I don't believe it will work to add it into inventory while there is still an old reference that still exists.

[mjcb]

Hello,

I think I figured it out. Looking in the datastore I noticed that the VMFX file was 0k. I restored the last backup of that file and copied it back into the datastore, re-added the server to the inventory and everything started up fine...I think.

What is the vmfx file anyway?

[IB_IT]

you mean vmxf? It is not used in ESX...it is a feature more for the Workstation app...for teaming VM's together, but is included in ESX for compatability purposes.

[mjcb]

Sorry,

Yes the vmxf file. Interesting that it would cause the VM to get all wonky if it gets corrupted. Anyway ity is all fixed now.