What is Space Reclamation

Here you will find out:

what is VMware space reclamation
how can you use it
how DiskInternals can help you

Are you ready? Let's read!

VMware space reclamation

Both VMFS 6 and VMFS 5 are capable of supporting the space reclamation capability.

What is it, then, and why is it required?

The blocks are also released whenever any data is removed from storage.

However, arrays are unaware of this, thus these blocks continue to have the "taken" status.

The array is assisted by the space reclamation function in realizing that because there is no longer any data, it is time to release the blocks.

VMFS uses the UNMAP command to make all of this happen as easily and rapidly as feasible.

Moreover, in different versions of VMFS, there may be some differences in the execution of this command; for example, new versions of VMFS 6 carry out space reclamation automatically, but in VMFS 5 you will have to set tasks manually.

Of course, in this case, experience is needed.

So why does that is important?

Because there are common thin provision use, which means that is essential to free up space from deleted data and bring it back to the pool of available storage.

About dead space

Dead space certainly accumulates during VM operation, and if it is not freed up, then system interruptions can occur.

Basically, there are two places where this unused space comes from:

The VMFS cluster file system itself. As stated above, when deleting files(or a virtual disk or machine), the space that it was using - becomes dead space. But the array does not see these actions(the deletion) and does not release the blocks.
The guest file system. Dead space accumulates when data is deleted from the guest server, while the array is also not able to perceive this.

Reclaim space in VMware

The UNMAP command is used for dead space reclamation. But this command is an automatic since ESXi 5.0 and vSphere 6.5 only. In the previous versions, UNMAP was performed as manual process.

Can you do VMFS Recovery? Yes!

You don’t even have to think about it; with DiskInternals VMFS Recovery, you will have the best, most professional software tool on the Internet. In addition, you will only need to purchase a license if you want to export data; all other functions are free. The program recovers any information you are interested in from damaged or serviceable disks in VMFS format and returns VMDK files. The program is guaranteed to support file names and multilevel Unicode folders. All actions will be coordinated with the Recovery Wizard so that you will not be left to figure out the application on your own.

Instructions for using this application:

After successfully downloading and installing DiskInternals VMFS Recovery, you can begin.

First, connect via SSH. If this is not necessary, then skip this step.

Then, open the local drive or SSH drive.

After scanning, find the desired VMDK files.

Then mount the VMDK file and open it.

Preview the found files, for free.

The application will do everything necessary to recover files for you.

After that, you will need a license to export data.

You should export data to a trusted and reliable source in order to prevent damage and loss of data in the future.

Tip: upgrade VMFS 5 to 6

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What is Space Reclamation

VMware space reclamation

About dead space

Reclaim space in VMware

Can you do VMFS Recovery? Yes!

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