Uninstall NetSpeek Edge (all hypervisors)

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to uninstall a NetSpeek Edge VM from supported hypervisors (VirtualBox, VMware Workstation Pro, VMware Fusion, VMware ESXi). It also details the current method for updating the Edge, performing OS/hypervisor compatibility checks, troubleshooting issues, and completing the required review and validation checklist.

Before you begin ensure the following documentation is reviewed:

Uninstalling the Edge Client from Hypervisor

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure the following:

  1. Admin access to the hypervisor host (or vCenter).
  2. Backup any data you need (export OVF or copy VMDK).
  3. Notify stakeholders — uninstall will remove Edge connectivity for that site.
  4. Record the Edge registration ID / API key if you may need it later.

Step-by-Step Setup Instructions

  1. Gather logs (optional)
    • From the Edge Web UI: export/collect logs and note the Edge registration ID (Settings → API/Integration or Support). (See install guide for where logs are.)
  2. Power state check
    • Confirm the VM is powered off in the hypervisor UI.

Note

It is strongly recommended to retain the previous Edge within the VM environment, powered off to prevent potential IP conflicts with the replacement, and to verify the proper functionality of the new Edge prior to deleting or decommissioning the former instance

  1. Remove VM from hypervisor & delete files
    • Use the hypervisor GUI to remove the VM and choose the option to delete files if you want disks removed. (Below are short vendor-specific steps & official doc links if you prefer CLI.)
  2. Cloud cleanup
    • In NetSpeek Portal: remove/unregister the Edge instance or revoke the API key associated with it (to avoid orphaned credentials).
  3. Verify
    • Confirm VM no longer appears in inventory and datastore / VM folder is removed. Check freed disk space on host.

Hypervisor quick steps & supported CLI commands

Note

The graphical user interface (GUI) may be used as an alternative. Command-line interface (CLI) commands are optional and are provided with references to the corresponding vendor documentation.

VirtualBox (Windows / macOS / Linux)

  • GUI: Right-click VM → Remove → Delete all files (or remove only from list if you want to keep files). (See VirtualBox manual.) (Oracle Documentation)
  • CLI (complete delete):

VBoxManage unregistervm "<vm-name-or-uuid>" --delete

Official docs: unregistervm and VBoxManage usage. (Oracle Documentation)

VMware Workstation Pro (Windows / Linux)

  • GUI: Power off VM → Manage → Delete from Disk (or Remove from Library then delete VM folder). Official KB for deleting VMs in Workstation. (Support Portal)

VMware Fusion (macOS)

  • GUI: Power off VM → Virtual Machine Library → Right-click VM → Delete → Move to Trash and then empty Trash to reclaim space. Official KB. (Support Portal)

VMware ESXi / vCenter (enterprise)

  • GUI (vSphere): Power off VM → right-click → Delete from Disk (when available) to remove inventory and VMDKs. For orphaned VMs use the host CLI to unregister first. Official docs and KB on snapshot consolidation and storage operations. (Support Portal)
  • ESXi host CLI (example):

# list VMs to find VMID

vim-cmd vmsvc/getallvms

# power off (if running)

vim-cmd vmsvc/power.off <vmid>

# unregister VM (removes from inventory)

vim-cmd vmsvc/unregister <vmid>

# remove VMDK file (vmkfstools) — use only when you are sure the disk is not in use

vmkfstools -U /vmfs/volumes/<datastore>/<vmfolder>/<vmname>.vmdk

Vendor docs for vmkfstools and CLI tasks. (TechDocs)

Updating the Edge Client

Note

Currently, the supported update method is to deploy a new Edge image (redeploy) and replace the existing VM. In-place package upgrades through the Edge UI are not yet supported. To update, use the existing installation guides to deploy the latest VMDK/OVF image and register it with the NetSpeek Portal.

Suggested simple update flow:

  1. Deploy the new Edge VM from the latest VMDK/OVF (follow installation guide).
  2. Configure network and API key settings so the replacement Edge registers with your NetSpeek tenant. Verify connectivity.
  3. Decommission the old Edge (uninstall steps above) only after the new Edge is registered & verified.

Compatibility checks (OS / hypervisor)

Before uninstall or update, confirm:

  • Host OS & hypervisor version are supported for management (e.g., VirtualBox 6.x or 7.x — check VirtualBox docs; VMware Workstation / Fusion versions — check VMware KB). If using ESXi, ensure vCenter/ESXi versions are supported for vmkfstools/vim-cmd operations. (Oracle Documentation)
  • You have admin/root privileges on the host (to delete files or run CLI).
  • Sufficient free disk space to export or keep backups (if you plan to retain the image).

Troubleshooting

  • “Cannot delete — file is locked”
    • VirtualBox/Workstation/Fusion: ensure VM is powered off, close the hypervisor app, check host processes (vmware-vmx, VBoxHeadless). Reboot host if necessary. For VirtualBox, VBoxManage unregistervm --delete will clean up files if properly powered off. (Oracle Documentation)
  • Snapshots prevent deletion / delta files remain
    • Consolidate/delete snapshots from Snapshot Manager before deleting the VM. See VMware snapshot consolidation KB. (Support Portal)
  • Orphaned VM in vCenter
    • Use vim-cmd vmsvc/unregister <vmid> on the ESXi host then remove files from datastore if needed (vmkfstools for file removal). Use vendor docs to confirm exact commands and options. (Support Portal)
  • Edge still listed in NetSpeek portal after VM removal
    • Remove device/instance entry and revoke API key in NetSpeek portal. If the Edge persists in the cloud UI, collect Edge logs (if available) and contact NetSpeek Support.
  • Disk space not reclaimed after delete
    • Check host datastore folders, empty Trash, or check VM storage folder. Some hosts require manual deletion of the VM folder.

Minimal rollback / recovery

  • If you only removed the VM from inventory (not disk): re-register or power it back on and confirm registration.
  • If disks were deleted permanently: restore from exported OVF or VMDK backup. (Always keep a backup if unsure.)
  • VirtualBox unregistervm / VBoxManage (Oracle): official manual. (Oracle Documentation)
  • VirtualBox removing/moving VMs (Oracle): manual page. (Oracle Documentation)
  • VMware Workstation — deleting a virtual machine (Broadcom / VMware KB). (Support Portal)
  • VMware Fusion — deleting a virtual machine (Broadcom / VMware KB). (Support Portal)
  • VMware ESXi — vmkfstools and storage CLI docs (TechDocs). (TechDocs)
  • VMware vSphere/ESXi snapshot consolidation KB. (Support Portal)
  • General ESXi vim-cmd examples & unregister guidance (vSphere CLI / KB articles). (Support Portal)

Un-Install Checklist

  • [ ] Backup image / export OVF or VMDK.
  • [ ] Collect Edge logs & note registration ID.
  • [ ] Stop Edge service and shut down VM.
  • [ ] Remove VM from inventory (GUI or CLI per vendor docs). (Oracle Documentation)
  • [ ] Delete VM files from host/datastore (if desired). (TechDocs)
  • [ ] Remove/unregister device from NetSpeek Portal and revoke API key (if used).