Unable to open SCSI device 'vmfs/devices/genscsi/vmhba3:5:0:0'(scsi3:0):Could not find the file. Failed to configure scsi3.

[vango333]

Unable to open SCSI device 'vmfs/devices/genscsi/vmhba3:5:0:0'(scsi3:0):Could not find the file. Failed to configure scsi3.

I get this error when adding a new SCSI Device to one of my Virtual Machines, the device is a HP SureStore DAT40 Tape Unit. The error happens when the VM is powered on, at around 60% powerup.

I have tried two different SCSI cards, an "Adaptec 29160N" & a "Adaptec 29160LP", and two different cables, I get the same error with both. The ESX 3i 3.5.0 host see's both of the SCSI cards when checking under Configuration and then Storage Adapters. When clicking on the SCSI card in the ESXi Storage Adapters options I see the tape drive listed as vmhba3:5:0 for the Tape and vmhba3:5:1 for the Media Changer. This makes me believe that from a compatibility standpoint everything is good to go.

When I edit the VM instance to add the Tape Drive I select new SCSI Device which then goes to Select SCSI Device, in the options I see Tape - HP and Media - HP as possible device selections. I have tried a variety of Virtual Device Nodes and they all produce the same error that was pasted above. When clicking ok it adds the new SCSI Device and a new SCSI Controller 1 using the LSI Logic controller, I have also tried every option under that menu, "None" "Virtual" "Physical", and I have even changed the Controller Type to BusLogic, same results though, I recieve the error posted above.

The server in question is a Dell PowerEdge 2850, 2x 3GHz CPU, 8GB RAM, 300+GB HD.

I've searched the net and these forums and have not found any post relating to the error posted above, I have a few hairs left on my head and I'm not sure what to do at this point. Could it be a compatibility problem? I've tried adding the SCSI device to another VM on the same ESXi host and it gives me the same error. From what I know the tape drive, both scsi cards and the two scsi cables I've been using all work correctly.

Any ideas?

[vango333]

bump

[coni · Accepted solution]

Hello vango333!

Please try this.

VMware Infrastructure Client

1. "Configuration" -> "Storage" -> select target storage

2. Please download ******.vmx of target VM

Edit vmx file

1. Edit *****.vmx (wordpad, etc...)
   (Before)
   scsi0:1.present = "true"
   scsi0:1.deviceType = "scsi-passthru"
   scsi0:1.fileName = "/vmfs/devices/genscsi/vmhba3:5:0:0"*
   scsi0:1.allowGuestConnectionControl = "false"
   (After)
   scsi0:1.present = "true"
   scsi0:1.deviceType = "scsi-passthru"
   scsi0:1.fileName = "/vmfs/devices/genscsi/vmhba3:5:0"
   scsi0:1.allowGuestConnectionControl = "false"

2. upload ******.vmx

VMware Infrastructure Client

Power On" target VM

It ends by this.

Good luck!!

[vango333]

Coni!!!! THAT WORKED!!!

Thank you so much, you can't imagine how happy I am right now.

Thanks for taking the time to help figure this out!!

[coni]

Really? It was good!!!

I'm sorry in strange sentences.

WYSIWYG is difficult

bye

[mcrossnoe]

unbelivably good... I FINALLY found this post... saved me at least $1000 for a new tape drive:)