Using iSCSI Software Target, you can temporarily disable a virtual disk to take it offline, without removing it from an iSCSI target. Disabling a virtual disk makes it unavailable to users but does not modify or delete settings. When you are ready to bring the virtual disk back online, you do so by enabling it. To prevent corruption, first disconnect the iSCSI initiators that access the virtual disk.

The virtual disk is dynamically removed from the iSCSI target without requiring a shutdown of the target. After the virtual disk is removed from the iSCSI target, the Microsoft iSCSI Software Target dynamically notifies the iSCSI initiator. If the iSCSI initiator supports dynamic discovery, the virtual disk is removed from the Disk Management console of the iSCSI initiator. If the iSCSI initiator does not support dynamic discovery, you must force a rescan.

Caution
Removing access to a virtual disk that is in use can cause data corruption. Before removing iSCSI initiator access to a virtual disk, ensure that no iSCSI initiator or application is using the virtual disk and that all data is appropriately saved. After bringing the virtual disk back online, restore iSCSI initiator access.
To disable an iSCSI virtual disk

  1. In Microsoft iSCSI Software Target, in the console tree, click Devices.

  2. In the results pane, right-click the virtual disk you want to disable, and click Disable.

To enable an iSCSI virtual disk

  1. In Microsoft iSCSI Software Target, in the console tree, click Devices.

  2. In the results pane, right-click the virtual disk you want to enable, and click Enable.

Additional considerations

  • You must be a member of the local Administrators group to perform these tasks.

  • To open iSCSI Software Target, click Start, point to Administrative Tools, and then click Microsoft iSCSI Software Target.

  • Another way to open iSCSI Software Target is to click Start, click Run, and then type iscsitarget.msc.

  • You can also enable or disable a virtual disk by right-clicking the virtual disk, clicking Properties, clicking the General tab, and then clearing or selecting the Enable checkbox, as appropriate.

Additional references

  • Removing iSCSI Target Access to a Virtual Disk
  • Deleting a Virtual Disk