Deleting HPE Nimble Volumes, Collections, and both from a Replication Partner

The Problem

I’ve tried various procedures to delete Nimble Storage volumes, the volume’s snapshots/collection, and the same from it’s replication partner over the years and because it was not a frequent task, I seemed to take various steps whenever I needed to perform this goal.  Because I was not consistent each time with the removal, I’d end up with different results, like orphaned replicated volumes, locked volume collections retaining their association with the volumes, and such.

In this post, the procedure below offers the steps for deleting HPE Nimble Volumes Volume Collections and Both from a Replication Partner that I’ve been using for a straight-forward result with no ill-effects or challenges.

Disconnect and remove the datasources/LUNs

1. 1. First, you’ll want to make sure remove any datasources and connections to the volumes at the hypervisor/Operating System

Dissociate the Volume from the Volume Collections

1. 1. Next, you’ll want to dissociate the volume from the volume collection since we’re unable to remove the volume collection if the volume is associated.  Let’s dissociate.
   2. Open the Nimble Management Interface by browsing to the Management page
   3. Select [Manage] then [Data Storage]
   4. Select the [Data Storage] Tab and click on the volume name to open the details page.
   5. Select Edit
   6. Select next until  the “Protection” option appears
   7. Note the Volume collection name (this is the volume collection name that you’ll delete in the next step) then select [No Volume Collection] radio button. [Save]

Delete Volume Collection and it’s Snapshots

1. Here we’re going to remove the primary source’s Volume collection you just disassociated from the source volume.
2. Select [Manage], then [Data Protection]
3. Select [Volume Collections]
4. Select the checkbox of the Volume Collection you noted above and wish to remove, select the X above to delete
5. Select [Remove]

Delete the volume that you wish to remove

1. 1. Select [Manage] then [Data Storage]
   2. Search/find the source volume you wish to remove
   3. The volume is currently online and it must be offline to be removed.  Select the volume then select the 3 dot ‘more’ symbol, and set ‘Offline’
   4. Select the X in the menu to delete

Delete the target Volume on Replication Partner

1. Browse to the Replication Partner
2. Select [Manage] then [Data Storage] Menu and select the Volume name link you wish to remove to open up the Volume Details screen
3. In the upper right, select the [More Actions] box, then select [Claim]
4. In the upper right, select the [More Actions] box again
5. then select [Delete]

And that’s it!  No remnants, orphaned volumes or collections!

Have you found a more efficient procedure for deleting HPE Nimble Volumes, Volume Collections, and Both from a Replication Partner(s)?  Leave a Comment and let me know

Conclusion

In this post, you learned the most efficient way I have found to remove HPE Nimble volumes and collections.  If you found this post helpful, please consider buying a stranger a cup of coffee.