What are some strategies for resolving virtualization storage issues?

1 Identify the root cause

The first step to resolving any virtualization storage issue is to identify the root cause. To do so, you can utilize storage dashboards and reports to observe key metrics, such as latency, throughput, IOPS, and capacity. Additionally, storage logs and events can record any errors or warnings. Moreover, you can use storage commands and scripts to check the status, configuration, and health of the storage devices and paths. Lastly, storage tests and benchmarks can help you measure and compare the storage performance and reliability under different workloads and scenarios. Identifying the root cause enables you to narrow down the scope of your troubleshooting efforts and avoid wasting time on irrelevant or ineffective actions.

2 Optimize the storage configuration

The second step to resolving any virtualization storage issue is to optimize the storage configuration. To do this, you can utilize various best practices and guidelines, such as aligning the storage partitions and blocks, choosing the appropriate storage format and type for your virtual disks, configuring the storage policies and features that suit your virtual machines' needs, and balancing the storage load and distribution. By optimizing the storage configuration, you can improve the storage performance and availability of your virtual machines and hosts, as well as prevent potential issues from arising or worsening.

3 Repair the storage errors

The third step to resolving any virtualization storage issue is to repair the storage errors. You can use various tools and procedures such as chkdsk, fsck, or sfc to scan and correct any logical or physical errors on the storage devices and file systems. Additionally, backup and restore solutions like Veeam, Acronis, or Windows Backup can help you recover data and settings from a previous state in case of data loss or corruption. Furthermore, migration and conversion tools like VMware Converter, Disk2vhd, or Robocopy enable you to move or transform data and settings to a different storage device or format if needed. By repairing the storage errors, you can restore the storage functionality and integrity of your virtual machines and hosts to minimize the impact of any storage issues on your operations and services.

4 Update the storage drivers and firmware

The fourth step to resolving any virtualization storage issue is to update the storage drivers and firmware. You can use various sources and methods to install the latest software for your virtual machines and hosts, such as storage vendor websites, storage management tools, and ISO images. Additionally, bootable media like Dell EMC Repository Manager, HP Smart Update Manager, or Rufus can be used to update the drivers and firmware offline or remotely. Updating the storage drivers and firmware will help you maintain compatibility and security, while avoiding any issues caused by outdated or buggy software.

5 Document the storage solutions

The fifth step to resolving any virtualization storage issue is to document the storage solutions. Different formats and platforms can be used to record and share the storage solutions applied to virtual machines and hosts, such as Word, Excel, or PDF for storage documentation and manuals; ServiceNow, Jira, or Zendesk for storage tickets and incidents; and Reddit, Stack Overflow, or Spiceworks for storage blogs and forums. By documenting the storage solutions, you can improve the storage knowledge and communication of your virtual machines and hosts as well as facilitate the storage troubleshooting and resolution process.