Fixed: ESXi SSD 7 Not Detected [Secure Solution]

SSDs are critical to the performance and reliability of virtualized environments. However, if ESXi does not detect SSDs, the efficiency of the environment can be severely impacted.

Crystal

By Crystal / Updated on September 4, 2024

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Why ESXi SSD 7 Not Detected

VMware ESXi 7 relies heavily on the underlying hardware, including storage devices such as SSDs, which are critical for data storage, hosting and running virtual machines.

However, there are some challenges when running VMware ESXi 7.

🔰 SSD Compatibility issues:

Not all SSDs are compatible with ESXi 7. For some users who upgraded to ESXi 7, ESXi NVMe was not detected. Your NVMe SSD is not officially listed on VMware's Hardware Compatibility List (HCL), so the hypervisor may not recognize it.

🔰 Hardware configuration issues:

In some cases, the problem may simply be a loose connection or incorrect placement of the SSD in the slot. In addition, the configuration of the storage controller or SSD mode (such as AHCI or RAID) in the BIOS/UEFI can affect detection.

🔰 ESXi 7 Software error or failure:

Sometimes a software error or incomplete ESXi 7 installation can cause the system to fail to recognize an attached SSD. These issues can usually be resolved with a software update or patch provided by VMware.

Next, we will introduce how to fix the issue of ESXi 7 SSD not showing up.

ESXi 7 SSD Not Detected

Fixed: VMware ESXi 7 SSD Not Detected with CLI Commands

By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and fix the issue of an SSD not being detected in VMware ESXi 7. Ensure that your hardware is compatible, connections are secure, and drivers are up to date.

1. In vSphere Client, go to Host > Actions > Services > Enable Secure Shell (SSH).

2. Once you have access to the ESXi CLI, you can identify the SSD by running the following command:

esxcli storage core device list

This command will list all the storage devices attached to the ESXi host. Look for your SSD in the output. If the SSD is not listed, there may be a connection or compatibility issue.

3. If the SSD is not detected, you can try rescanning the storage adapters. Enter this command to detect the SSD in ESXi.

esxcli storage core adapter rescan –all

4. After rescanning, check if the SSD is now detected by running:

esxcli storage core device list | grep -i "SSD"

If the SSD is detected, it should appear in the list.

5. To further investigate the SSD's status, you can check detailed information using:

esxcli storage core device list -d

Replace with the identifier of your SSD, which you can find from the previous commands.

6. If the SSD is still not detected, check the ESXi logs for any related errors:

tail -f /var/log/vmkernel.log | grep -i "SSD"

7. Ensure that the storage controller drivers are up to date. You can check the version of the drivers currently in use by running:

esxcli software vib list | grep -i "driver name"

Using ESXi CLI commands can greatly assist in troubleshooting and resolving such issues.

To enhance the reliability and security of your VMware ESXi 7 environment, especially when dealing with issues like SSDs not being detected, it's crucial to have a robust backup solution in place.

Secure ESXi 7 Backup Prevents Data Loss Due to Failure

💥Imagine this: you’ve just spent hours troubleshooting your SSD issue using the steps above, but what if, during the process, something goes awry? You might lose critical data or configurations that could set you back even further. With AOMEI Cyber Backup, you have the peace of mind that your VMware ESXi 7 virtual machines are backed up regularly and securely.

AOMEI Cyber Backup is designed for managing VMware ESXi backups. Here’s what it brings to you:

  • Automated Backups: Schedule backups of your ESXi virtual machines, so you’re always covered without having to remember to run them manually.
  • Fast Recovery: In case something does go wrong, AOMEI Cyber Backup allows for quick restoration of your virtual machines, minimizing downtime and keeping your operations running smoothly.
  • Ease of Use: The user-friendly interface makes it accessible even for those who might not be IT experts. You don’t have to be a backup guru to protect your ESXi environment.
  • Cost-Effective: It’s a budget-friendly solution that doesn’t compromise on features. Whether you’re a small business or managing a larger infrastructure, AOMEI Cyber Backup fits right in.

1. Bind Devices: Access to AOMEI Cyber Backup web client, navigate to Source Device > VMware > + Add VMware Device to Add vCenter or Standalone ESXi host. And then click > Bind Device.

bind device

2. Create Backup Task: Navigate to Backup Task > + Create New Task, and select VMware ESXi Backup as the Backup Type.

vmware esxi backup

3. Set Task Name, Device, Target, Schedule, and Cleanup as needed.

  • Task Name: chance the task name or use the default name with an ordinal.
  • Device: batch select large numbers of VMs managed by vCenter Server for centralized backup.
  • Target: select to back up to a local path, or to a network path.
  • Archive: backup VMware to Amazon S3 easily.
  • Schedule (optional): offers full / incremental / differential backup methods and flexible time type for backup.

schedule vm backups

  • Backup cleanup (optional): automatically delete the old backups and retain the new VM backups.

auto backup cleanup

  • Run Backup: Click Start Backup and select Add the schedule and start backup now, or Add the schedule only.

4. Restore: You can create a new VM by hitting Restore button, and it allows you to restore VM to original/new location directly from any selected backups, which saves the trouble of re-configuring the new VM.

restore vm

Conclusion

In conclusion, addressing the issue of an SSD not being detected in VMware ESXi 7 requires a methodical approach using ESXi CLI commands, ensuring that hardware is compatible, connections are secure, and drivers are up to date.

However, even the best troubleshooting efforts can’t eliminate the risk of unexpected data loss or downtime. That’s why using AOMEI Cyber Backup with your VMware ESXi environment is essential. It provides automated, reliable backups and quick recovery options, ensuring that your virtual machines remain protected and your business operations continue without interruption.

By combining these troubleshooting techniques with a robust backup solution, you’re well-equipped to handle any challenges that arise.

Crystal
Crystal · Editor
Crystal is an editor from AOMEI Technology. She mainly writes articles about virtual machine. She is a positive young lady likes to share articles with peolpe. Off work she loves travelling and cooking which is wonderful for life.