The Snapshot Consolidation VMware merges delta files from snapshot with the virtual machine disk chain when v sphere detects that consolidation is necessary. The operation must be prepared with sufficient space datastore and without manually deleting files VMDK.
Simple definition
A VMware operation that merges or cleans files from snapshot remaining.
Technical definition
Consolidation processes deltas to realign the disk chain and remove files that are no longer needed.
What is it used for ?
Correcting the state of janitor after backup or incident.
Practical example
A VM may request consolidation after a failure to remove snapshot.
How to diagnose Snapshot Consolidation ?
In vCenter, check if the VM displays « Villary machine disks consolidation is, the state of the Snapshot Manager and recent backup tasks. Control the free space of the datastore and look for a task of backup or a still active lock. snapshot visible in the interface does not exclude the presence of delta files requiring a consolidation.
Common issues
Never manually delete a file -delta.vmdk or -sesparse.vmdk to « clean » the VM. A poorly understood disk chain can make the machine unusable. snapshot poorly cleaned backup, lack of space, file lock or storage incident.
How to validate the correction — Snapshot Consolidation
First free the cause of the lock or lack of space, then launch consolidation from v Sphere and monitor the task until it is over. Then check that the alert has disappeared, that the VM is working and that the PORTS chain is consistent. For a critical VM, confirm the status of the backups before any operation.
Related terms
Key takeaway: Exact behavior and commands may vary depending on versions, products and architectures.
FAQ — Snapshot Consolidation
Reconsolidation and abolition of snapshot Are they identical?
Not exactly. Consolidation processes delta files that remain to merge, sometimes even when none snapshot is visible.
Why do we need free space?
The merger generates important writings and can fail if the datastore is too full.
Can we remove the VMDK Delta in your hand?
No. Use VMware tools and identify the disk chain before any intervention.