Windows Server / Hyper-V & Failover Clustering
Inspect a virtual disk's parent chain before touching checkpoint files
A differencing disk depends on its parent chain. Deleting a seemingly old disk can make the VM unusable.
Environment and inputs: Windows Server 2022 / 2025 baseline · Windows PowerShell with the specified role or RSAT modules; native utilities are identified in the text. Use delegated administration and elevation only where required.
Start with this check
Confirm the host, shell and access role. Replace sample names, paths, domains and interfaces with approved targets. These are diagnostic commands; assess policy and workload impact before making changes.
Get-VHD -Path 'D:\VMs\APP01\disk.avhdx'Read the result
With Hyper-V access, the example reports the selected disk's type and parent information. Replace the path with a verified disk from the VM's configuration.
Resolve and verify
Trace the supported chain and compare it with checkpoint and backup operations. Resolve broken references only through a validated recovery procedure.
Before changing production
Never delete AVHDX or parent files manually to recover free space.