Install Proxmox on an existing ZFS rpool

Toxik

Well-Known Member
Jul 11, 2019
56
7
48
Germany
Hi,
is it possible to install Proxmox on an existing ZFS rpool by just deleting the rpool/RPOOL/pve-1 dataset and recreating it?
I'm just wondering if I can reinstall Proxmox without losing VMs that are stored on the rpool, too.

Thanks!
 
is it possible to install Proxmox on an existing ZFS rpool by just deleting the rpool/RPOOL/pve-1 dataset and recreating it?
I'm just wondering if I can reinstall Proxmox without losing VMs that are stored on the rpool, too.

Generally, no. The installer will always recreate everything

You can however, e.g install PVE on another system (even in a VM) with ZFS and send/receive your rpool/RPOOL/pve-1 to the old system after renaming the previous one. This has to be done in a live system so that you're not running the OS you're replacing.
 
After seding the rpool/RPOOL/pve-1 dataset from another system to Proxmox system I probably also have to run the /etc/kernel/postinst.d/zz-pve-efiboot on the destination system to make it bootable again (update EFI partition with curretn kernel version).
 
After seding the rpool/RPOOL/pve-1 dataset from another system to Proxmox system I probably also have to run the /etc/kernel/postinst.d/zz-pve-efiboot on the destination system to make it bootable again (update EFI partition with curretn kernel version).

Totally right, the bootloader/EFI stuff has to be written again.
 

About

The Proxmox community has been around for many years and offers help and support for Proxmox VE, Proxmox Backup Server, and Proxmox Mail Gateway.
We think our community is one of the best thanks to people like you!

Get your subscription!

The Proxmox team works very hard to make sure you are running the best software and getting stable updates and security enhancements, as well as quick enterprise support. Tens of thousands of happy customers have a Proxmox subscription. Get yours easily in our online shop.

Buy now!