Create a VMFS volume on a LUN:
vmkfstools -C vmfs3 -S label vmhba1:0:2:1

Identify disks attached to the ESX server including SAN LUNs (in human readable format):
vdf -h

Read Metadata from VMFS volumes (version, capacity and file block size):
vmkfstools -P /vmfs/volumes/LUN-A1

Add and extent to a datastore (Each LUN can be max 2TB. 32 extents can be added to reach 64TB):
[vmkfstools -Z addthislun tothislun]
vmkfstools -Z vmhba1:0:12:1 vmhba1:0:11:1

Delete an extended volume:
vmkfstools -C vmfs3 -S LUNB vmhba1:0:12:1

Rename a VMFS datastore:
ls -laF /vmfs/volumes/
Note down the id of the volume linked to the datastore you want to rename (e.g. /vmfs/volumes/477c7-634968-3c1a-001...).
rm -rf /vmfs/volumes/oldname
ln -s /vmfs/volumes/477c7-634968-3c1a-001... /vmfs/volumes/newname


Command Options:
/usr/sbin/vmkfstools -h
No valid command specified

OPTIONS FOR FILE SYSTEMS:
vmkfstools -C --createfs vmfs3
-b --blocksize #[mMkK]
-S --setfsname fsName
-Z --extendfs extension-partition
deviceName
-P --queryfs -h --humanreadable
-T --tovmfs3
-x --upgradetype [zeroedthick|eagerzeroedthick|thin]
-u --upgradefinish
vmfsPath

OPTIONS FOR VIRTUAL DISKS:
vmkfstools -c --createvirtualdisk #[gGmMkK]
-d --diskformat [zeroedthick|
eagerzeroedthick|
thick|
thin]
-a --adapterType [buslogic|lsilogic]
-w --writezeros
-j --inflatedisk
-U --deletevirtualdisk
-E --renamevirtualdisk srcDisk
-i --clonevirtualdisk srcDisk
-d --diskformat [rdm:|rdmp:|
raw:|thin|2gbsparse|
monoflat|monosparse]
-X --extendvirtualdisk #[gGmMkK]
-M --migratevirtualdisk
-r --createrdm /vmfs/devices/disks/...
-q --queryrdm
-z --createrdmpassthru /vmfs/devices/disks/...
-v --verbose #
-g --geometry
-J --miscop [setuuid | getuuid]
vmfsPath

OPTIONS FOR DEVICES:
vmkfstools -s --scan adapterName
-L --lock [reserve|release|lunreset|targetreset|busreset] /vmfs/devices/disks/...

Share this blog post on social media:

Social Links

Disclaimer

All advice, installation/configuration how to guides, troubleshooting and other information on this website are provided as-is with no warranty or guarantee. Whilst the information provided is correct to the best of my knowledge, I am not reponsible for any issues that may arise using this information, and you do so at your own risk. As always before performing anything; check, double check, test and always ensure you have a backup.

Copyright ©2008-2021 Andy Barnes - Please do not copy any content including images without prior consent!

Designed and Hosted by Andy Barnes