Troubleshoot a datastore that is missing from one or more ESXi hosts by checking storage presentation, paths, VMkernel configuration and signatures.
01 Define the scope
06 Validate mounting After correcting the dependency, rescan storage and confirm the datastore is visible, mounted and accessible to the intended hosts.
Check whether the datastore is missing from one host or the entire cluster. Compare storage adapters and paths with a healthy host.
Define the scope
Check storage presentation
Confirm the LUN or storage volume is presented to the affected ESXi host with the expected identifiers and access permissions.
Check storage paths
Review path state and device visibility. Failed or missing paths can prevent a datastore from being mounted.
Check VMkernel storage networking
For iSCSI or NFS, verify VMkernel interfaces, VLANs, routing and required bindings. Test connectivity to the storage endpoint.
Check filesystem state
Confirm the device and datastore filesystem are recognized. Avoid resignaturing or recreating a datastore unless the storage identity and recovery plan are understood.
Validate mounting
After correcting the dependency, rescan storage and confirm the datastore is visible, mounted and accessible to the intended hosts.
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