Removing qtree but keeping the LUN - C-mode 8.2.1

[PAULROBBINS]

We have a case where we have RDMs presented to VMware servers and these RDMs are LUNs under qtrees. We need to remove the qtree aspect and just have the LUN presented to the hosts.

Is there a way of removing a qtree without affecting the data on the LUN as when you attempt to delete a qtree with a LUN still in it you get the attached error?

[aborzenkov · Accepted solution]

Just move LUN (rename it) out of qtree into whatever location - on the same volume - is appropriate. “lun move …”

[PAULROBBINS]

Thank you. We just did this coincidentally about an hour ago. We offlined the LUNs and removed the RDMs from the powered down VM and then performed a lun move and then reattached the LUNs to the VM and all was well. Thank you for confirming this.

[aborzenkov]

Offlined!?! Wow … this is online operation which has no impact on client. But whatever works for you ☺

[PAULROBBINS]

But the container path changes.

Im going to test again and do a lun move with the luns online and server on and then do the same test again with the server powered down. Will advise results.

[DOMINIC_WYSS]

aborzenkov is right, you can move the LUN out of the qtree while it is online, then delete the qtree.

the LUN path is irrelevant to the client or ESX host.

[PAULROBBINS]

Performed the change on a live 2012 server copy data to 2 x RDM drives. Never lost connectivity to the disks but each time tested one the copy jobs that were running in parallel stopped but resumed when the other just that kept running finished. Not sure I'd like to risk this with a  SQL server for example so will shut them down but it is good to know you dont need to detach / reattached the RDM to the VM. Thanks for the assistance aborzenkov...