When you delete a VM group in Commvault, backup activity stops, but existing backup data and snapshots are retained and managed according to retention rules.
This page explains how deletion affects:
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Backup data
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Snapshots
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VM clients
Backup behavior after deletion
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No new backups are performed for the VM clients in the deleted VM group.
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Existing backup data is retained and aged based on the retention settings defined in the associated plan.
VM client behavior
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VM clients remain visible on the Virtual machines page.
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Deleting a VM group does not delete the VM clients.
To remove all associated data and snapshots, you must individually delete the VM clients.
Snapshot behavior
Snapshot handling depends on the backup type.
IntelliSnap VM groups
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If retention is based on recovery points, that many number of snapshots will always be retained.
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If retention is based on days, once the retention period is met, all snapshots are deleted except the latest one, which is retained for CBT (Changed Block Tracking).
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If a snapshot backup is skipped or fails to create a backup copy, then that snapshot is not aged.
Streaming VM groups
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The most recent snapshot is always retained to support CBT.
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Older snapshots are aged according to retention rules.
Snapshot visibility and cleanup
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Existing snapshots remain visible in the Command Center after the VM group is deleted.
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Snapshots are not automatically removed when the VM group is deleted.
To remove unused snapshots:
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Manually delete the snapshots, or
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Delete the associated VM client
Important considerations
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Deleting a VM group does not remove existing backup data immediately.
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Snapshot retention follows plan settings and backup success conditions.
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Manual cleanup may be required to remove snapshots that are no longer needed.
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Deleting a VM client removes all associated snapshots.