Once you have identified the datastore(s), the next step is to shutdown the virtual machines and then unregister them from inventory. Because the datastore will go offline, it is important to remove any objects accessing files (configuration or virtual disks) on the datastore.
First click on the datastore, then its VMs tab.
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1) Click on the VMFS datastore |
2) Click on the VMs tab |
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Before shutting down VMs ensure that you are ready to do so! Shutting down virtual machines means terminating applications--so it is critical to be sure you are shutting down the right applications and it is the correct time to do so. Also the below process assumes all VMs can be shut down at once--if you have specific power-down ordering follow that process. The below is just an EXAMPLE. The key is to shut down and unregister all VMs on the specific datastore(s) before proceeding.
Next click on the column heading State and sort so all of the powered-on VMs are listed consecutively. Then on the first VM in the list and then hold down the shift key and select the last VM in the list that is powered-on. Choose the menu option Shut Down Guest OS (this is the preferred method, choosing power-off is not graceful and should be avoided when possible).
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1) Sort by power state |
2) Select all powered on VMs |
3) Shut down the VMs. Preferably use Shut Down Guest OS |
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Once the virtual machines are shut down, unregister those VMs from vCenter. Select all of the VMs on the datastore, right-click any one of them, and choose Remove from Inventory.
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1) Select all of the VMs |
2) Right-click and choose Remote from Inventory |
3) Confirm operation(s) |
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