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VMware VM backup stalled with error - DISKLIB-CHAIN

VMware VM backup stalled with error - DISKLIB-CHAIN

Updated this week

Problem description

VMware backup appears to be stuck and does not progress for a few VM(s).

Cause:

Corrupted Virtual Disk/Snapshots: The DISKLIB-CHAIN errors are the most direct indication of a problem with the virtual disk's structure or its snapshots.

This could be due to an unclean shutdown, storage issues, or a failed snapshot operation.

Traceback:

Error Message in vixDiskLib-####.log

2025-06-24T15:11:51.839Z In(05) host-6000 2025-06-24T11:11:51.838-04:00 error -[06000] [Originator@6876 sub=DiskLib] DISKLIB-CHAIN : DiskChainDBGet: Cannot apply logicalSectorSize to partial chain.

2025-06-24T15:05:03.399Z In(05) host-5992 2025-06-24T11:05:03.399-04:00 warning -[05992] [Originator@6876 sub=vmomi.soapStub[8]] SOAP request returned HTTP failure; , >), /sdk>, method: queryNetConfig; code: 500(Internal Server Error)

Resolution:

  1. Check vCenter Server and ESXi Host Health:

    • Verify that all vCenter services are running and that the ESXi host is healthy (no PSODs, no critical alarms).

  2. Examine the Virtual Machine's Configuration:

    • Check for existing snapshots on the VM.

    • Verify the integrity of the VM's .vmdk files and their descriptor files.

    • Look for any recent changes or operations performed on the VM (e.g., snapshot consolidation, backup, cloning).

  3. Investigate the Datastore:

    • Check the health and free space of the datastore where the VM resides.

  4. Review other logs:

    • Look at the vmkernel.log, hostd.log, and vpxa.log on the ESXi host, and vpxd.log on vCenter Server for related entries around the same timestamp.

  5. Try to consolidate snapshots:

    • If snapshots exist and are suspected to be the issue, attempt to consolidate them (if possible, as this error might prevent it).

  6. VMware KB Articles:

    • Search VMware's knowledge base for these specific error messages (Cannot apply logicalSectorSize to partial chain, 500 Internal Server Error queryNetConfig, NfcUtil_CreateTimer: No poll loop).

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