Using an existing NTFS harddisk as datastorage on ESXi 5.1

[esantoshexel]

Hello everybody!

I'm looking for how I can use an existing NTFS harddisk as datastore on ESXi 5.1. Is it possible? How I can do it?

Inside of this NTFS harddisk I have many information and a folder destinated to VMs. My idea is point the datastorage on ESXi 5.1 to VMs folder (on NTFS volume).

Please, see below a picture from Datastores and Devices on vSphere Client.

Since now, thanks a lot.

Eduardo

[a_p_]

Welcome to the Community,

sorry that doesn't work. A datastore is a partition with VMware's own file system (VMFS) which has special features to e.g. allow access from multiple hosts at the same time.

André

[esantoshexel]

Hi André!

Firstly, thanks for you fast reply!

André, the ESXi doesn't recognize NTFS volume format for any situation?

If I split in two parts the current  NTFS volume. In the first I will reserve to NTFS existing data and in the other one, I will create a datastore VMFS volume. The VMs could access on NTFS data?

Thanks a lot again!

Eduardo

[MarekZdrojewski]

Eduardo,

There is no way that ESXi will recognize a NTFS volume simply because it does not understands it If you use this disk, everything will be deleted and reformat with VMFS. I suggest using a second disk, format it with VMFS and use, for example VMware Converter to migrate the VMs.

Cheers!

[esantoshexel]

Hi Marek!

Could you help me with this please: Using this virtualized server architecture with ESXi hypervisor, How I can create a data storage server? Are recommended do it inside and on the Win2k8 VM for example?

Thanks a lot!

Eduardo

[MarekZdrojewski]

You could use a physical server, hook the HDD containing the NTFS partition to it. Then install VMware Converter Stand alone edition and use it to migrate the VMs to you ESXi or vCenter.

[esantoshexel]

Marek! Good morning.

Firstly, thanks.

Just to clarify: Do you recommends I convert the full server (based on NTFS volumes) to a VM and send it to ESXi, right? Is it reliable migrate all files of NTFS partition (beyond Windows and software files) to a VM in this way?

Again, Tks!

Eduardo

[MarekZdrojewski · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Well, it really depends on what you want. Both methods are ok but I guess I woould convert the server to a VM. Gives you most flexibility.

hth

Cheers!

[esantoshexel]

Marek!

I've started the full conversion of OS and files to a VM as a server.

Thanks a lot for your help!

Best regards,

Eduardo

[MarekZdrojewski]

Great, thanks for feedback

Please consider awarding point for the answer.

Cheers!