VMFS Partition Cannot Be Created During ESX Server Installation If Prior Installation Is Detected
Details
A VMFS partition is not created during ESX Server installation when the installer detects a previous installation of ESX Server for which a VMFS partition is on another disk or SAN that is not connected to the machine. This issue occurs when you first perform a custom ESX Server installation and create all partitions on the local disk, except the VMFS which is created on a SAN or a LUN, and then attempt to reinstall ESX Server. When reinstalling, the "keep the VMFS partition" option is selected by default for the local disk. This causes the message "all the non-VMFS partitions will be removed" to be displayed and leads to the creation of all partitions on the local disk except the VMFS.
Solution
When you reinstall ESX Server, deselect the "keep the VMFS partition" option. This allows the VMFS partition to be created on the local disk.
