Symptoms
- Datastore browser shows vmimages directory on the ESXi host as empty in vCenter Server
- Cannot see the vmimages/floppies directory in vCenter Server
- Contents of the vmimages/floppies directory is accessible when directly connected via the vSphere Client.
Purpose
This article provides a workaround that enables you to mount a floppy image, such as a paravirtual SCSI adapter, to a virtual machine.
Resolution
To workaround this issue:
- Log in to the ESXi host.
For more information, see: - ESXi 4.1 – Using Tech Support Mode in ESXi 4.1 (1017910)
- ESXi 4.0 and 3.x – Tech Support Mode for Emergency Support (1003677)
- Run this command to create a new floppies directory on one of the datastores on the ESXi host:
mkdir /vmfs/volumes//floppies
Whereis the name of a shared datastore. - Run this command to copy the contents of the original floppies directory to the new directory:
cp /productLocker/floppies/*.flp /vmfs/volumes//floppies/ - Mount the floppy image.
To use the floppy image: - In the Inventory pane, right-click the virtual machine and click Edit Settings.
- Click the virtual floppy drive and select Connected.
- Click Browse under Use existing floppy image in datastore.
- Browse to the location /
/floppies. - Select the required floppy image.
Based on VMware KB 1036836
