Help with VMware and vSphere

J.B · 22 Jul 2009 at 10:22

Hey, I'm using VMware and vSphere to run a couple of virtual servers. I can't seem to put the virtual hard disks to above 256GB though. Am I missing something obvious?

Cheers.

SMN · 22 Jul 2009 at 10:33

This may help:

This is based on the block size of your LUNS. 1MB is the default and will only allow a 256GB max size. The only way that I know to do this is to reformat the LUN and present it will a bigger block size.

2MB = 512GB

4MB= 1024GB

8MB= 2048GB

J.B · 22 Jul 2009 at 12:00

Interesting, is that a problem with the RAID itself or the installation of ESXi?

RSR · 22 Jul 2009 at 12:08

What VMFS version is this this formatted in?

When you format a VMFS partition you have an option to specify the block size. This determines the maximum size of the VMDK file you can create. The default block size of 1 MB equates to a maximum file size of 256GB. I've listed the other options below.

Your next question will be - can I change it?

The answer is yes - but only by reformatting the partition.

1 MB - 256 GB
2 MB - 512 GB
4MB - 1024 GB
8MB - 2048 GB

SMN · 22 Jul 2009 at 12:31

It'll be during the configuration of the storage in ESXi console if i remember correctly. Does it give you any options for block size during the creation of a VMDK?

J.B · 22 Jul 2009 at 12:34

Yep, just coming back on here to say I found it, thanks guys.

Next question...Anyway to make the virtual machines boot up when ESXi starts?

RSR · 22 Jul 2009 at 12:34

SMN said:
It'll be during the configuration of the storage in ESXi console if i remember correctly. Does it give you any options for block size during the creation of a VMDK?

Block size is done in the formatting of the VMFS volume iirc.

RSR · 22 Jul 2009 at 12:35

J.B said:
Yep, just coming back on here to say I found it, thanks guys.

Next question...Anyway to make the virtual machines boot up when ESXi starts?

Yup stick in the autostartup

Click on you ESXi server > Config Tab > Virtual Machines Startup and Shutdown > Properties

Andy

J.B · 22 Jul 2009 at 13:33

I dont seem to have a Virtual Machines Startup and Shutdown option!

EDIT
Ok I found it, my brain must be fried today.

Thanks for your help

iaind · 22 Jul 2009 at 14:10

I came across the HDD size limitation a while ago but couldnt format - I just created a spanned volume of 4 virtual disks in windows