Understanding Invalid VM Status

When a virtual machine is marked as “Invalid” in vCenter, it indicates that vCenter is unable to retrieve the VM’s configuration or metadata, making it unmanageable from the vSphere interface.

Common Causes

• vCenter and ESXi Host Communication Issues: Network disruptions, host failures, or vCenter service issues
• Corrupt or Missing VM Configuration Files: .vmx and .vmdk files may become corrupted or deleted
• Datastore Inaccessibility: Storage failures, disconnected datastores, or insufficient space
• Permissions Issues: vCenter or ESXi lacking sufficient permissions to access VM files
• Host Disconnections: ESXi host goes offline, crashes, or enters maintenance mode

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Option 1: Reload the VM

If the VM appears in the ESXi inventory but is invalid, try reloading it:

ssh root@<ESXi_host_IP>
vim-cmd vmsvc/getallvms
vim-cmd vmsvc/reload <VM_ID>

Option 2: Remove and Re-Register VM

• In vSphere Web Client, right-click the invalid VM and select “Remove from Inventory”
• Browse to the datastore and locate the VM folder
• Find the .vmx file and right-click to select “Register VM”
• Once registered, try powering on the VM

Fixing Storage and Datastore Issues

If the VM’s storage is inaccessible, vCenter cannot read the VMX file. Here’s how to resolve storage-related issues:

Check Datastore Availability

esxcli storage filesystem list
esxcli storage filesystem mount -u <UUID>

Restart Storage Services

/etc/init.d/lwiod restart
/etc/init.d/nfs restart

Prevention Best Practices

• Monitor logs regularly: Use vRealize Log Insight or Splunk for log aggregation and early warning alerts
• Ensure datastore redundancy: Use multipath storage configurations and implement storage redundancy
• Automate VM backups: Regular backups of VM metadata using Veeam, VDP, or enterprise backup solutions
• Keep systems updated: Regular updates for vCenter and ESXi with proper testing environments
• Implement proper VM management: Avoid force power-offs and use Storage vMotion for migrations