Your Path to Mastering VMFS5: What to Do Before Creating a Datastore

Creating a VMFS5 datastore can sometimes feel like preparing a gourmet meal—it requires the right ingredients and a bit of precision. You wouldn't start cooking a dish without first cleaning your workspace, right? Similarly, when it comes to creating a VMFS5 datastore on a disk that has existing partitions, the very first step should be to clear away those leftovers, ensuring a clean slate.

Clear the Clutter: Deleting Existing Partitions

So, why is this so critical? If you’ve got existing partitions on your disk, they can interfere with the creation of your shiny new VMFS5 filesystem. Think of them as those random bits in your kitchen that you just can’t seem to get rid of before starting your big cook-off. In the world of VMware, that means you need to manually delete existing partitions using the partedUtil command. It’s the most straightforward and effective approach to ensure that your disk, or LUN, is entirely ready for use as a VMFS datastore.

When you execute the partedUtil command, you’re essentially sending a powerful message to your disk: “You’re starting fresh!” That way, the new filesystem can snugly fit into its new home without any lingering remnants from the past. It’s crucial for achieving a clean and conflict-free setup when it comes to your virtual infrastructure.

Don't Fall for Common Missteps

Now, you might be tempted to think: "Why not create a VMFS3 file system first?" Well, that’s a bit like putting your salad dressing on top of the lettuce and expecting it to mix well—you’ll end up with a bunch of soggy greens. Creating a VMFS3 filesystem is unnecessary and counterproductive, especially when your goal is VMFS5.

Alternatively, jumping right into creating a VMFS5 filesystem directly with vmkfstools would likely lead to an error. Imagine trying to bake a cake with a pan still sticky with last week’s cookies—a recipe for disaster! Overlooking the deletion of partitions can throw a wrench into your plans, resulting in unsuccessful datastore creation.

Let’s Set the Record Straight

So, what about using vmkfstools to delete data? While it’s a powerful tool for managing your virtual disk files, it’s not meant for managing disk partitions. It’s akin to trying to use a fork to conduct an orchestra—just not the right tool for the job!

In summary, when you’re gearing up to create a VMFS5 datastore, remember this: the first* action you should take is to delete existing partitions manually with the partedUtil command. By doing so, you ensure that your disk is prepped, primed, and ready to roll. And that’s how you lay the foundation for a smooth and successful virtualization journey, paving the way for all the exciting things that can happen next in your VMware environment.

Ready to embark on this virtualization adventure? With the right preparations, you’ll find yourself navigating the VMware landscape with confidence. Trust me, it’s going to be worth it!