VMware Delete from Disk vs. Remove from Inventory — Key Differences Explained

In VMware, managing virtual machines involves a couple of important actions: "Delete from Disk" and "Remove from Inventory." While these terms might sound alike, they mean very different things. In this article, we'll break down what each option does, so you know exactly what happens when you choose one over the other. Whether you're just getting started with VMware or want to brush up on your skills, understanding these differences will help you handle your virtual machines more effectively.

Understanding VMware Inventory vs Disk Operations

What “Remove from Inventory” Does

"Remove from Inventory" plays a crucial role when you need to temporarily remove a virtual machine (VM) from your management interfaces in VMware vCenter or ESXi without deleting its underlying files. When you execute this action, the VM disappears from the inventory list in your VMware environment, effectively making it inaccessible through the VMware interface.

However, the VM's configuration files, virtual disks, and other associated data remain intact on the datastore. This means you can easily re-import the VM into the inventory at any time without any data loss. This action is particularly useful when reorganizing or restructuring your virtual environment, migrating VMs between datastores, or when performing maintenance tasks that require the VM to be temporarily hidden from view.

What “Delete from Disk” Does

In contrast, "Delete from Disk" is a decisive measure that permanently eradicates a virtual machine from both the inventory and the datastore. This option not only removes the VM from the VMware interface but also deletes all associated files from the physical storage, including the VM's configuration files, virtual disks, snapshots, and any related data.

Choosing "Delete from Disk" is irreversible, which means that once a VM is deleted, recovering it is usually not possible unless you have previous backups. This operation is typically used when a VM is no longer needed, and freeing up storage space is a priority. It's essential to exercise extreme caution with this option, as it can lead to unintended data loss if performed by mistake.

Practical Implications for Administrators

For VMware administrators, understanding the differences between these actions is pivotal. "Remove from Inventory" is a safe and nondestructive option, making it well-suited for scenarios where a VM needs to be temporarily disconnected from resource allocation or operational duties while retaining quick recovery potential.

On the other hand, "Delete from Disk" should be implemented in situations where there is a definitive decision to clear associated storage resources permanently. This could be part of a decommissioning process for outdated or retired VMs.

Administrators must carefully evaluate their intentions and the state of the VMs before selecting an action. When in doubt, creating backups before proceeding with potentially destructive operations like "Delete from Disk" is a prudent strategy. This practice ensures that data integrity is maintained, and recovery is possible in cases of accidental deletions. By thoroughly understanding and correctly applying these options, administrators can safeguard their virtual environments against unnecessary data loss and streamline their virtual management tasks effectively.

Version-specific Behavior in vSphere and Workstation

vCenter / ESXi Behavior

In vSphere environments, specifically within vCenter and ESXi, the behavior of "Remove from Inventory" and "Delete from Disk" is consistent with enterprise-level management and storage practices:

• Remove from Inventory: This action disconnects the VM from the vCenter or ESXi host inventory while keeping all underlying files intact on the datastore. Administrators can re-register or import the VM back into the inventory with ease whenever needed.
• Delete from Disk: Selecting this option results in the complete and irrevocable deletion of all VM-related files from the datastore. This often requires administrator confirmation to prevent accidental deletion, ensuring that only unwanted VMs are completely removed.

VMware Workstation / Player Behavior

In VMware Workstation and Player, these operations function similarly but cater to personal and small business use cases. The key notes are as follows:

• Remove from Inventory: Removing a VM from the inventory in VMware Workstation or Player does not delete the associated files. Similar to its enterprise counterparts, the VM's configuration and virtual disk files remain on the user's local or shared storage. This allows users to manage their VMs with flexibility, knowing the data is readily accessible for future use.
• Delete from Disk: This option in Workstation and Player results in the permanent removal of all VM files from the local disk. As with vSphere, it's an irreversible operation, so caution is advised. Users should ensure they've backed up any critical data before proceeding.

Recovering Accidentally Deleted or Lost VMs

Corrupt or Missing VMDK / VMX Files

Should you encounter scenarios where VMDK (virtual disk) or VMX (configuration) files are corrupt or missing, it often signals that the VM has been compromised or improperly deleted. Recovery, while challenging, is sometimes possible:

• Attempt Manual Recovery: Check the datastore for any available snapshots or backup files that might have been accidentally overlooked. This could allow you to restore at least part of the VM's data.
• Database Logs and Records: Utilize available logs and records to assess what went wrong and identify if any residual traces of the files can be recovered manually.

Using DiskInternals VMFS Recovery™ for File Recovery

DiskInternals VMFS Recovery™ is a specialized tool designed to aid in recovering lost or corrupted VMDK and VMX files from VMware datastores:

• Installation and Scanning: Install the VMFS Recovery software on a Windows-based machine capable of accessing your datastores. Use the scanning feature to identify and list all recoverable files.
• File Recovery Process: Once the scan is complete, the software facilitates the preview of recoverable files, allowing you to selectively restore crucial components of the impacted VMs.
• Efficiency and Limitations: It's essential to understand that while VMFS Recovery can be incredibly effective, it does have limitations, especially if the storage space has been overwritten.

Backup and Snapshot Strategies to Prevent Data Loss

To minimize the risk of losing crucial data, implement robust backup and snapshot strategies:

• Regular Snapshots: Create regular snapshots of critical VMs. Snapshots provide a point-in-time copy of the VM that can be quickly restored if issues arise.
• Automated Backup Solutions: Use automated backup solutions that consistently back up VMs to a secure, offsite location. Ensure that these backups are both frequently verified and easily accessible.
• Redundant Storage Architecture: Implement a storage architecture that includes redundancy features, such as RAID, to protect against hardware failures and ensure availability.

Comparison Table — Delete vs Remove 🛠️

Decision Checklist — When to Remove vs Delete

Inventory-Only Cleanup Scenarios

• Temporary Deactivation: You need to temporarily remove a VM from active management without deleting its data.
• Reorganization: The VM is part of a reorganization effort, where you wish to streamline the inventory but may need the VM later.
• Testing and Development: If the VM is being used for testing purposes and may need to be re-introduced after modifications or evaluations.
• Storage Management: When dealing with limited interface clutter, but the physical storage has sufficient capacity to retain the files.

Permanent Removal Scenarios

• Decommissioning: The VM is outdated or obsolete, and there's no future requirement for its data or functionality.
• Resource Recovery: Storage space is at a premium, and permanently deleting the VM will significantly benefit available resources.
• Data Security: For security compliance or data purging purposes, where permanently erasing the VM and its files is mandatory.
• Irreversible Errors: The VM has become corrupt beyond repair, and it’s decisions have been made to clear associated storage for reuse.

Recovery-Ready Workflow

• Backup Verification: Before proceeding, confirm the latest backups exist and are retrievable in case recovery is needed.
• Snapshot Creation: Take a snapshot of the VM if recovery is anticipated; this provides a fallback point.
• Inform and Train: Ensure all staff understand the implications of both actions and are informed of the steps to safely execute each process.
• Plan for Recovery: Map out a clear recovery plan should a mistake occur, including who to contact and how to revert changes swiftly.
• Documentation: Maintain thorough documentation of VM states, deletions, and removals for audit and operational records.