Knowledge Base

If a VMFS-2 volume contains insufficient free space (less than 1200MB), any attempt to upgrade it fails. The VI Client displays an informative error message, and Insufficient free space on volume X is printed in the VMKernel log.

To work around this problem, free up space on the volume:

1. Log in to the service console via SSH or the local console.
2. Unload the vmfs2 and vmfs3 modules using vmkload_mod -u vmfs2 and vmkload_mod -u vmfs3.
3. Load the fsaux module in VMFS-2 unlink mode using vmkload_mod fsaux fsauxFunction=fs2unlink.
4. Move or remove files on the volume such that at least 1200MB becomes available. Use either the rm or mv command.
5. Wait ten seconds, and unload the fsaux module using vmkload_mod -u fsaux.
6. Reload the vmfs2 and vmfs3 modules using vmkload_mod vmfs2 and vmkload_mod vmfs3.
7. Retry the upgrade.