To delete a pool in FreeNAS (now TrueNAS CORE), you must access the Storage Dashboard and explicitly choose to destroy the pool's data. This action is irreversible and will erase all data stored on the pool.
Steps to Delete a FreeNAS Pool
Deleting a storage pool in FreeNAS is a critical operation that permanently removes all data. Always ensure you have backed up any necessary information before proceeding.
Here's a step-by-step guide:
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Navigate to the Storage Dashboard:
- Log in to your FreeNAS/TrueNAS CORE web interface.
- From the main menu, go to the Storage section.
- Select Pools to view your existing storage pools.
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Initiate Export/Disconnect:
- Locate the specific pool you wish to delete from the list.
- Click on the "Export/Disconnect" option associated with that pool. This action is the gateway to either safely exporting a pool (keeping its data) or destroying it.
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Review Affected Services:
- A dialog box will appear. This dialog will inform you about any system services (such as SMB shares, NFS shares, iSCSI targets, etc.) that are currently using or are dependent on the pool you are about to manage.
- Review this information carefully to understand the impact of deleting the pool on your existing services.
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Select the "Destroy Data" Option:
- Within the same dialog box, you will be presented with various options.
- To delete the pool and erase all data on it permanently, you must select the option labeled "Destroy data on this pool**."
- This is the crucial step that differentiates a simple export from a complete deletion.
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Confirm Deletion:
- FreeNAS will typically ask for a final confirmation to prevent accidental data loss. You might be required to type the pool's name or check a confirmation box.
- Confirm your intention to proceed with the deletion.
Once confirmed, FreeNAS will begin the process of destroying the pool and erasing all its data.
Important Considerations
- Data Loss: Deleting a pool is a destructive action. All data on the pool will be unrecoverable after this operation.
- Service Impact: Any services (e.g., file shares, jails, virtual machines) residing on or utilizing the pool will cease to function immediately upon its deletion. Ensure you have migrated or backed up any critical data from these services beforehand.
- Physical Disks: While the pool is destroyed, the physical disks that comprised the pool remain available in your system. You can then re-use these disks to create new pools or for other storage configurations.
FreeNAS Storage Management
