Zombie VM

What Does Zombie VM Mean?

A zombie VM is a virtual machine that is not functioning properly in a software environment, but continues to operate, sucking up resources and providing no value.

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Techopedia Explains Zombie VM

The term "zombie VM" is sometimes used interchangeably with the term "orphaned VM," which is a machine that has been disconnected from its host. However, with a zombie VM, there is the implication that the VM is still actively using resources since it is still connected to its host. Along with incorrectly configured VMs, systems administrators also look for disconnected or otherwise useless VMDK files, the files held on these systems, to try to clean up and prevent what is often called "VM sprawl." VM sprawl happens when more VMs are deployed or created than are necessary. This occurs largely because of inefficiencies in building out systems and because of changes in systems over time, where, without rigorous analysis and constant management, resources become tied up in obsolete configurations.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…