How to solve "Failed - The resource 'ISO' is in use" in VMware ESXi

Written By Christian Castagna (Administrator)

Updated at June 25th, 2025

→ Applies to: VMware ESXi 6.5 and above

 

Step 1. Login to VMware ESXi GUI (replace <your_ip_address_or_hostname> with the correct ip/hostname)

https://<your_ip_address_or_hostname>

 

Step 2. Check if Remove Datastore tasks have a failed status

If a failed status is present, proceed with Step 3.
Otherwise, reboot SynetoOS and retry the pool export.

 

Step 3. Click on the line with the failed status to open the error details

IMPORTANT
The error details windows must be opened for each task with a failed status.

 

Step 4. Click on Virtual Machines

 

Step 5. Access Edit settings page

 

Step 6. Open CD/DVD Drive 1, select Host device, then uncheck the Connect option and click on Save