Troubleshooting Packer And Azure VM Issues On 6th Generation VMs

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Hey guys! 👋 Ever run into a quirky issue when trying to get your virtual machines up and running smoothly? Today, we’re diving into a specific problem that some of us have encountered while using Packer with 6th generation Azure VMs. It's a bit technical, but stick around, and we’ll break it down together!

Understanding the Packer and Azure VM Challenge

So, the core issue revolves around building images using Packer on Azure's 6th generation VMs, specifically the Standard_E2ds_v6 SKU. The problem arises when the built image fails to launch a VM due to a disk controller mismatch. Instead of honoring the parent image configuration (which should be NVMe), it defaults to SCSI. This discrepancy causes boot failures and general head-scratching. Let's dive deeper into the importance of this and why getting it right matters for your infrastructure.

Why Disk Controller Configuration Matters

First off, let's talk about why the disk controller configuration is so crucial. In modern virtual machines, the disk controller acts as the intermediary between the operating system and the storage devices. There are primarily two types we're focusing on here: SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) and NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express). SCSI has been around for ages and is a reliable standard, but NVMe? It’s the new kid on the block, designed specifically for solid-state drives (SSDs) and other high-performance storage solutions. NVMe offers significantly faster speeds and lower latency compared to SCSI, which translates to quicker boot times, faster application loading, and an overall snappier system. Now, when you're building virtual machine images, especially for performance-sensitive workloads, ensuring the correct disk controller is configured is paramount. Using the wrong controller can severely bottleneck your VM's performance, rendering all that fancy hardware underutilized. Imagine building a race car but putting bicycle tires on it – that's what happens when your disk controller isn't up to snuff!

The Peculiarity of 6th Generation Azure VMs

Azure's 6th generation VMs are designed to leverage the latest hardware innovations, including NVMe storage. These VMs are engineered to deliver top-tier performance for demanding applications, which is why the default disk controller for these machines should be NVMe. However, the glitch we're discussing here causes the image creation process to default to SCSI, which is like putting those bicycle tires on our race car again. This is particularly frustrating because when you manually create a VM with the same specifications in Azure, the disk controller is correctly set to NVMe. This inconsistency between manual creation and Packer-based image creation is the heart of the issue. Why does this happen? Well, that's the million-dollar question we're trying to answer. It seems there's a disconnect somewhere in the image building process where Packer isn't correctly picking up the intended disk controller configuration. This can lead to significant delays and headaches, especially when you're trying to automate the deployment of your infrastructure. So, understanding this peculiarity is the first step in finding a solution and getting our VMs running as smoothly as they should.

Real-World Implications

The implications of this issue extend beyond just performance metrics. In real-world scenarios, mismatched disk controller configurations can lead to:

  • Application Instability: Applications expecting NVMe-level performance might crash or behave erratically when forced to run on a SCSI controller.
  • Increased Operational Costs: Slower performance translates to longer processing times, which can increase your cloud computing costs.
  • Deployment Delays: Debugging and resolving these issues can significantly delay your deployment timelines, impacting your project deadlines.
  • Customer Dissatisfaction: Ultimately, poor performance affects the user experience, leading to dissatisfied customers and potential business losses.

So, guys, this isn't just a minor inconvenience – it's a critical issue that needs addressing to ensure your infrastructure runs efficiently and reliably. Let’s dig deeper into the steps to reproduce this issue and see how we can tackle it head-on!

Steps to Reproduce the Issue

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and walk through how to reproduce this disk controller headache. This is super important because, as any seasoned troubleshooter knows, the first step in fixing a problem is being able to reliably recreate it. So, let's grab our virtual wrenches and dive in!

The Packer Script Breakdown

The heart of our reproduction process lies in a simplified Packer buildfile. This script is the blueprint that Packer follows to create our virtual machine image. Let's break it down piece by piece so we understand exactly what it's doing.

packer {
  required_plugins {
    azure = {
      source  = "github.com/hashicorp/azure"
      version = "~> 2"
    }
  }
}

source "azure-arm" "windows" {
  location = "UK South"
  vm_size  = "Standard_E2ds_v6"
  subscription_id = var.subscription_id
  tenant_id       = var.tenant_id

  use_azure_cli_auth                = true
  managed_image_resource_group_name = var.resource_group
  managed_image_name                = var.image_name

  async_resourcegroup_delete         = true
  managed_image_storage_account_type = "Premium_LRS"

  os_type         = "Windows"
  image_publisher = "MicrosoftWindowsServer"
  image_offer     = "WindowsServer"
  image_version   = "26100.4652.250713"
  image_sku       = "2025-datacenter-azure-edition"

  communicator   = "winrm"
  winrm_username = "packer"
  winrm_insecure = true
  winrm_use_ssl  = true
  winrm_timeout  = "1h"

}

# sysprep
build {
  sources = ["source.azure-arm.windows"]
  provisioner "powershell" {
    scripts = [
      "./files/scripts/deprovision-image.ps1"
    ]
  }
}

Packer Block

We kick things off with the packer block. This section tells Packer which plugins we need for our build. In this case, we're using the Azure plugin from HashiCorp, and we're specifying that we want any version within the 2.x range. Using plugins is crucial because they extend Packer's capabilities, allowing it to interact with different cloud providers and services. Think of them as adapters that let Packer speak the language of Azure.

packer {
  required_plugins {
    azure = {
      source  = "github.com/hashicorp/azure"
      version = "~> 2"
    }
  }
}

Source Block

Next up, we have the source block. This is where we define the specifics of our image build. We're using the azure-arm source, which means we're targeting Azure Resource Manager (ARM), Azure's modern deployment and management service. The windows label is just a friendly name we've given this source, so we can refer to it later in our build process.

source "azure-arm" "windows" {
  location = "UK South"
  vm_size  = "Standard_E2ds_v6"
  subscription_id = var.subscription_id
  tenant_id       = var.tenant_id

  use_azure_cli_auth                = true
  managed_image_resource_group_name = var.resource_group
  managed_image_name                = var.image_name

  async_resourcegroup_delete         = true
  managed_image_storage_account_type = "Premium_LRS"

  os_type         = "Windows"
  image_publisher = "MicrosoftWindowsServer"
  image_offer     = "WindowsServer"
  image_version   = "26100.4652.250713"
  image_sku       = "2025-datacenter-azure-edition"

  communicator   = "winrm"
  winrm_username = "packer"
  winrm_insecure = true
  winrm_use_ssl  = true
  winrm_timeout  = "1h"

}

Let's break down some of the key parameters:

  • location: This is the Azure region where we want to build our image. In this case, it's "UK South".
  • vm_size: This is where the magic happens! We're specifying Standard_E2ds_v6, which is one of Azure's 6th generation VMs. Remember, this is the type of VM that's giving us the disk controller issue.
  • subscription_id and tenant_id: These are Azure-specific credentials that Packer needs to authenticate and interact with your Azure account. We're using variables here (var.subscription_id and var.tenant_id), which means these values will be supplied separately (more on that later).
  • use_azure_cli_auth: This tells Packer to use the Azure CLI for authentication, which is a convenient way to avoid hardcoding credentials in your script.
  • managed_image_resource_group_name and managed_image_name: These define where the resulting image will be stored in Azure. Azure Managed Images are a way to store and manage VM images in Azure.
  • async_resourcegroup_delete: This setting allows Packer to delete the resource group asynchronously, which can speed up the build process.
  • managed_image_storage_account_type: We're using Premium_LRS, which is a high-performance storage option that's great for VMs.
  • os_type, image_publisher, image_offer, image_version, and image_sku: These parameters specify the base operating system image we're starting with. In this case, it's a Windows Server image from the Azure Marketplace.
  • communicator, winrm_username, winrm_insecure, winrm_use_ssl, and winrm_timeout: These settings configure how Packer communicates with the VM during the build process. We're using WinRM, the Windows Remote Management service, to execute commands and scripts on the VM.

Build Block

Finally, we have the build block. This section ties everything together and tells Packer what to do with our source image. We're specifying that we want to build from the source.azure-arm.windows source we defined earlier.

build {
  sources = ["source.azure-arm.windows"]
  provisioner "powershell" {
    scripts = [
      "./files/scripts/deprovision-image.ps1"
    ]
  }
}

Within the build block, we have a provisioner. Provisioners are Packer's way of customizing the image. In this case, we're using a PowerShell provisioner to run a script called deprovision-image.ps1. This script is responsible for preparing the image for distribution, a crucial step in the image creation process. This typically involves tasks like removing machine-specific settings and generalizing the image so it can be deployed on multiple VMs.

The Deprovisioning Script

Speaking of the deprovision-image.ps1 script, it's worth touching on what this script usually does. In the context of Windows VMs, this script typically performs a Sysprep operation. Sysprep is a Microsoft tool that prepares a Windows installation for imaging. It removes unique information from the Windows installation, such as the computer name and security identifier (SID), and configures the system to generate a new SID when it's booted up. This ensures that each VM created from the image has a unique identity and doesn't conflict with other VMs.

Steps to Reproduce

With our Packer script dissected, let's outline the exact steps to reproduce the issue:

  1. Set up your environment:
    • Install Packer (version 1.13.1 in this case).
    • Install the Azure plugin for Packer (version 2.3.3).
    • Configure your Azure credentials (using Azure CLI or environment variables).
  2. Create the Packer buildfile:
    • Save the Packer script above as a .pkr.hcl file (e.g., azure-windows-image.pkr.hcl).
    • Ensure you have the deprovision-image.ps1 script in the ./files/scripts/ directory (a standard Sysprep script will do).
  3. Run Packer:
    • Execute the packer build command, pointing it to your buildfile.
    • packer build azure-windows-image.pkr.hcl
  4. Observe the build process:
    • Packer will spin up a temporary VM in Azure, run the provisioners, and then create a managed image.
  5. Create a VM from the image:
    • Once the image is created, try launching a new VM from it in the Azure portal or using Azure CLI.
  6. Encounter the error:
    • You should encounter the error message indicating that the VM failed to start due to an issue with the disk controller (SCSI instead of NVMe).

Why This Matters

By following these steps, you can reliably reproduce the issue. This is crucial because it allows us to verify any potential fixes we might try. It also helps us communicate the problem effectively to others, including the Packer and Azure support teams. Reproducibility is the bedrock of troubleshooting!

Plugin and Packer Version Information

To ensure we're all on the same page, let's nail down the specific versions of Packer and the Azure plugin used when this issue was observed. This is super important because software versions can play a huge role in bugs and compatibility issues. It's like making sure everyone in the band is playing the same tune!

Packer Version

The Packer version in use was v1.13.1. This is a specific release of Packer, and knowing this helps us narrow down if the issue is specific to this version or present in other versions as well.

Azure Plugin Version

The Azure plugin version was v2.3.3. The full path to the plugin binary was:

/home/ashley/.config/packer/plugins/github.com/hashicorp/azure/packer-plugin-azure_v2.3.3_x5.0_linux_amd64

This tells us not only the version but also the architecture and operating system the plugin was built for (in this case, Linux amd64). This level of detail is crucial when diagnosing platform-specific issues. Plugins are the gears that mesh Packer with Azure, so making sure we have the right gears (versions) is key.

Why Versioning Matters

Versioning is your friend in the world of software development and infrastructure management. Here's why:

  • Bug Identification: Knowing the exact versions helps pinpoint when a bug was introduced. Was it a regression from a previous version? Is it specific to a particular release?
  • Compatibility: Different versions of software may have compatibility issues. For example, a newer version of Packer might introduce changes that affect how it interacts with an older version of the Azure plugin.
  • Reproducibility: As we discussed earlier, reproducing the issue is crucial. Knowing the versions ensures that others can replicate the exact environment where the problem occurred.
  • Support and Troubleshooting: When seeking help from support forums or vendor documentation, providing version information is almost always the first thing you'll be asked.

So, always keep track of your software versions, guys! It's a best practice that can save you a lot of headaches down the road.

Simplified Packer Buildfile Explained

Let's dive deep into the simplified Packer buildfile that's causing all this disk controller drama. We've already touched on it in the reproduction steps, but now we're going to dissect it line by line and understand exactly what each part does. Think of this as the anatomy lesson of our Packer script!

Breaking Down the Code

We've already posted the build file, so let's jump straight into breaking it down. This script is written in HashiCorp Configuration Language (HCL), which is the language Packer uses to define its build configurations. HCL is designed to be both human-readable and machine-friendly, making it a great choice for infrastructure-as-code.

The packer Block

Let's start at the top with the packer block. This block is like the table of contents for our script – it tells Packer what plugins we're going to use. Plugins, as we discussed, are extensions that add functionality to Packer, allowing it to interact with different cloud providers, virtualization platforms, and more.

packer {
  required_plugins {
    azure = {
      source  = "github.com/hashicorp/azure"
      version = "~> 2"
    }
  }
}

Inside the packer block, we have the required_plugins block. This is where we declare the plugins our build needs. In our case, we only need one: the azure plugin. The source attribute specifies where to download the plugin from (in this case, the official HashiCorp GitHub repository), and the version attribute specifies the version we want to use. The ~> 2 syntax means we want any version that's compatible with 2.x, which allows for minor version updates but avoids major breaking changes.

The source Block

Next, we have the source block. This is the heart of our Packer script, where we define the source image we're going to build from. Think of it as the seed from which our final image will grow. We're using the azure-arm source, which means we're targeting Azure Resource Manager (ARM), Azure's modern deployment and management service.

source "azure-arm" "windows" {
  location = "UK South"
  vm_size  = "Standard_E2ds_v6"
  subscription_id = var.subscription_id
  tenant_id       = var.tenant_id

  use_azure_cli_auth                = true
  managed_image_resource_group_name = var.resource_group
  managed_image_name                = var.image_name

  async_resourcegroup_delete         = true
  managed_image_storage_account_type = "Premium_LRS"

  os_type         = "Windows"
  image_publisher = "MicrosoftWindowsServer"
  image_offer     = "WindowsServer"
  image_version   = "26100.4652.250713"
  image_sku       = "2025-datacenter-azure-edition"

  communicator   = "winrm"
  winrm_username = "packer"
  winrm_insecure = true
  winrm_use_ssl  = true
  winrm_timeout  = "1h"

}

Let's break down the key attributes within the source block:

  • location: This is the Azure region where we want to build our image. It's set to UK South in this case.
  • vm_size: This is where we specify the size of the temporary VM that Packer will spin up to build the image. We're using Standard_E2ds_v6, which, as we know, is one of Azure's 6th generation VMs and the source of our disk controller woes.
  • subscription_id and tenant_id: These are credentials that Packer needs to authenticate with your Azure account. We're using variables here (var.subscription_id and var.tenant_id), which means these values will be provided separately, typically through environment variables or a variable file. This is a best practice for security, as it avoids hardcoding sensitive information in your script.
  • use_azure_cli_auth: This tells Packer to use the Azure CLI for authentication, which is a convenient way to authenticate if you already have the Azure CLI installed and configured.
  • managed_image_resource_group_name and managed_image_name: These attributes define where the resulting managed image will be stored in Azure. Azure Managed Images are a way to store and manage VM images in Azure.
  • async_resourcegroup_delete: This setting allows Packer to delete the temporary resource group asynchronously, which can speed up the build process.
  • managed_image_storage_account_type: We're using Premium_LRS, which is a premium storage option that provides high performance for VMs. This is a good choice for most production workloads.
  • os_type, image_publisher, image_offer, image_version, and image_sku: These attributes specify the base operating system image we're starting with. In this case, it's a Windows Server image from the Azure Marketplace. These settings tell Packer exactly which base image to use as the foundation for our customized image.
  • communicator, winrm_username, winrm_insecure, winrm_use_ssl, and winrm_timeout: These attributes configure how Packer communicates with the temporary VM during the build process. We're using WinRM (Windows Remote Management), which is a common way to remotely manage Windows machines. These settings tell Packer how to connect to the VM, authenticate, and execute commands.

The build Block

Finally, we have the build block. This block ties everything together and tells Packer what to do with our source image. It's like the recipe that tells the chef how to combine the ingredients.

build {
  sources = ["source.azure-arm.windows"]
  provisioner "powershell" {
    scripts = [
      "./files/scripts/deprovision-image.ps1"
    ]
  }
}

The sources attribute specifies which source image(s) we want to build from. In this case, we're building from the source.azure-arm.windows source we defined earlier. You can have multiple sources in a Packer build, allowing you to build images for different platforms or regions in a single run.

Within the build block, we have a provisioner. Provisioners are Packer's way of customizing the image. They allow you to install software, configure settings, and perform other tasks on the temporary VM before the image is created. In our case, we're using a powershell provisioner, which means we're going to run a PowerShell script.

The scripts attribute specifies the PowerShell scripts we want to run. We're running a single script called deprovision-image.ps1, which, as we discussed, is responsible for preparing the image for distribution. This script typically performs a Sysprep operation on Windows VMs.

Putting It All Together

So, there you have it – a complete breakdown of our simplified Packer buildfile! This script tells Packer to:

  1. Use the Azure plugin.
  2. Create a temporary VM in Azure using the specified base image and VM size (Standard_E2ds_v6).
  3. Connect to the VM using WinRM.
  4. Run the deprovision-image.ps1 script to Sysprep the image.
  5. Create a managed image from the VM.

Operating System and Environment Details

Let's zoom in on the operating system and environment details where this pesky issue surfaced. Think of this as setting the scene for our troubleshooting drama – knowing the environment is key to understanding the plot twists!

Why Environment Details Matter

The environment in which you're running Packer can significantly impact its behavior. Factors like the operating system, architecture, and installed software can all play a role in whether or not a bug manifests. It's like how a plant might thrive in one climate but wither in another. Knowing the environment details helps us:

  • Isolate the Issue: Is the issue specific to a particular operating system or architecture? If so, we can narrow down the potential causes.
  • Reproduce the Issue: As we've stressed before, reproducibility is key. Knowing the exact environment allows others to replicate the issue and help troubleshoot.
  • Identify Dependencies: Certain software or libraries might be required for Packer to function correctly. Knowing the environment helps us identify any missing dependencies.
  • Understand Interactions: Packer interacts with the underlying operating system and cloud provider APIs. Understanding the environment helps us understand how these interactions might be contributing to the issue.

Key Environment Factors

When it comes to Packer, here are some key environment factors to consider:

  • Operating System: The operating system you're running Packer on (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux) can influence its behavior. Packer relies on the underlying OS for certain tasks, such as process execution and file system access.
  • Architecture: The architecture of your system (e.g., amd64, arm64) can also be a factor. Packer and its plugins are typically compiled for specific architectures.
  • Packer Version: We've already discussed the importance of Packer version, but it's worth reiterating. Different Packer versions might have different behaviors or bug fixes.
  • Plugin Versions: Similarly, the versions of Packer plugins can impact their behavior. Ensure you're using compatible plugin versions.
  • Cloud Provider SDKs/CLIs: Packer often relies on cloud provider SDKs or CLIs (e.g., Azure CLI) to interact with the cloud. Make sure these are installed and configured correctly.
  • Environment Variables: Packer uses environment variables for various settings, such as credentials and API endpoints. Ensure these are set correctly.

Specific Environment Details

While the specific OS and architecture details weren't explicitly provided in the initial report, we can infer some information. Given the plugin path:

/home/ashley/.config/packer/plugins/github.com/hashicorp/azure/packer-plugin-azure_v2.3.3_x5.0_linux_amd64

We can deduce that the operating system is likely Linux and the architecture is amd64 (also known as x86-64). This is a common environment for running Packer, especially in automated build pipelines. However, it's always best to have explicit confirmation of these details.

Log Fragments and Crash.log Files

Alright, let's talk about the treasure trove of information that log fragments and crash logs provide! These are like the breadcrumbs that lead us to the root cause of our issues. Think of them as the detective's notes in our troubleshooting mystery!

The Importance of Logs

Logs are a detailed record of events that occur during the execution of a program or system. They're like a diary that captures everything that happened, step by step. When something goes wrong, logs can be invaluable in helping us understand:

  • What happened: Logs tell us the sequence of events that led to the error.
  • When it happened: Timestamps in logs help us pinpoint when the error occurred.
  • Why it happened: Error messages and stack traces in logs often provide clues about the root cause of the problem.
  • Where it happened: Logs can indicate which part of the system or code is responsible for the error.

In the context of Packer, logs can help us understand what Packer is doing at each stage of the image build process. This includes:

  • Plugin initialization
  • VM creation
  • Provisioner execution
  • Image creation
  • Error handling

Types of Log Files

Packer and its plugins can generate various types of log files, including:

  • Packer Logs: These logs capture Packer's overall activity, including plugin loading, source configuration, build execution, and error messages.
  • Plugin Logs: Plugins can generate their own logs, providing more detailed information about their specific operations. For example, the Azure plugin might log API calls to Azure services.
  • Provisioner Logs: Provisioners often generate logs as they execute commands and scripts on the temporary VM. These logs can be crucial for debugging provisioning issues.
  • Crash Logs: If Packer or a plugin crashes, it might generate a crash log (e.g., a crash.log file) containing a stack trace and other debugging information.

How to Collect Logs

Packer provides a couple of ways to control the level of logging:

  1. PACKER_LOG Environment Variable: Setting the PACKER_LOG environment variable to 1 enables maximum log detail. This is often the first step in troubleshooting Packer issues.
  2. -debug Flag: Running packer build -debug enables debug mode, which provides more verbose output and can be helpful for identifying issues.

Analyzing Log Fragments

Unfortunately, no specific log fragments were included in the initial report. However, if we had log fragments, we would look for the following:

  • Error Messages: These are the most obvious clues. Look for lines that start with [ERROR] or contain error-related keywords.
  • Warnings: Warnings might indicate potential issues that could lead to errors.
  • Stack Traces: Stack traces show the sequence of function calls that led to an error. They can help pinpoint the exact location in the code where the error occurred.
  • API Call Information: If you're using a cloud provider plugin, look for logs related to API calls. These logs can help you understand if there are issues with authentication or API limits.
  • Timestamps: Timestamps help you understand the order of events and identify any performance bottlenecks.

What to Look for in This Specific Issue

In the context of the disk controller issue, we would be looking for logs that relate to:

  • VM Creation: Logs showing how Packer is creating the temporary VM in Azure.
  • Disk Configuration: Logs that might indicate how the disk controller is being configured.
  • Provisioning: Logs from the Sysprep process, as this might be where the disk controller configuration is being reset.
  • Azure API Calls: Logs showing the specific Azure APIs being called to create the VM and configure its disks.

Sharing Logs

When sharing logs with others (e.g., in a support forum or bug report), it's best to:

  • Redact Sensitive Information: Remove any sensitive information, such as passwords, API keys, and subscription IDs.
  • Use a Gist or Pastebin: If the log is long, upload it to a service like Gist or Pastebin rather than pasting it directly into the message.
  • Provide Context: Explain what you were doing when the error occurred and what you've already tried to troubleshoot.

Repair Input Keyword

Let's address the core questions and keywords that have surfaced throughout this discussion. We'll rephrase them to be super clear and easy to understand, ensuring we're all on the same page. Think of this as tidying up our problem statement before we dive into solutions!

Key Questions and Concerns

Based on the initial report and our analysis, here are the key questions and concerns we need to address:

  1. Disk Controller Issue: How to resolve the issue where Packer defaults to SCSI disk controller on Azure 6th generation VMs (Standard_E2ds_v6) instead of NVMe.
  2. Image Launch Failure: Why VMs fail to launch from Packer-built images due to the incorrect disk controller configuration.
  3. Packer Configuration: How to configure Packer to correctly set the disk controller to NVMe when building Azure images.
  4. Reproducibility: What are the exact steps to reproduce the issue reliably?
  5. Version Compatibility: Are there any known compatibility issues between Packer, the Azure plugin, and Azure 6th generation VMs?
  6. Sysprep Impact: Does the Sysprep process affect the disk controller configuration?
  7. Alternative Solutions: Are there any workarounds or alternative solutions to ensure the correct disk controller is used?

Rephrasing for Clarity

Let's rephrase these questions to make them even more direct and actionable:

  1. How can I force Packer to use NVMe disk controllers when building images for Azure 6th generation VMs?
  2. What causes VMs to fail to launch when built with Packer on Azure 6th generation VMs, and how can I prevent it?
  3. What are the specific Packer settings needed to ensure the correct disk controller (NVMe) is configured for Azure images?
  4. Can you provide a step-by-step guide to reproduce the disk controller issue with Packer and Azure 6th generation VMs?
  5. Are there any known issues or incompatibilities between specific versions of Packer, the Azure plugin, and Azure 6th generation VMs that might cause this problem?
  6. Does running Sysprep in the Packer build process potentially reset or interfere with the disk controller configuration?
  7. What are some alternative approaches or workarounds to ensure the correct disk controller is used when building Azure images with Packer?

By rephrasing these questions, we've made them more focused and easier to answer. This clarity is essential for effective troubleshooting and problem-solving. It's like having a clear roadmap before embarking on a journey!

In Conclusion

So guys, we've taken a deep dive into this disk controller issue with Packer and Azure 6th generation VMs. We've explored why it matters, how to reproduce it, and what questions we need to answer to resolve it. This is a complex problem, but by breaking it down piece by piece, we're well on our way to finding a solution. The next steps would likely involve:

  • Log Analysis: Scrutinizing Packer and plugin logs for clues.
  • Configuration Tweaks: Experimenting with different Packer settings.
  • Plugin Updates: Checking for updates to the Azure plugin.
  • Community Engagement: Reaching out to the Packer and Azure communities for help.

Stay tuned, guys, and let’s figure this out together! 🚀