When you perform VMFS datastore management operations, vCenter Server uses default storage protection filters. The filters help you to avoid storage corruption by retrieving only the storage devices that can be used for a particular operation. Unsuitable devices are not displayed for selection. You can turn off the filters to view all devices.

Prerequisites

Before you change the device filters, consult with the VMware support team. You can turn off the filters only if you have other methods to prevent device corruption.

Procedure

  1. Browse to the vCenter Server in the vSphere Web Client object navigator.
  2. Click the Configure tab.
  3. Under Settings, click Advanced Settings, and click Edit.
  4. Specify the filter to turn off.
    1. In the Name text box at the bottom of the page, enter an appropriate filter name.
      Name Description
      config.vpxd.filter.vmfsFilter VMFS Filter
      config.vpxd.filter.rdmFilter RDM Filter
      config.vpxd.filter.sameHostsAndTransportsFilter Same Hosts and Transports Filter
      config.vpxd.filter.hostRescanFilter Host Rescan Filter
      Note: If you turn off this filter, your hosts continue to perform a rescan each time you present a new LUN to a host or a cluster.
    2. In the Value text box, enter False for the specified key.
  5. Click Add, and click OK to save your changes.
    You are not required to restart the vCenter Server system.