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4 weeks ago
Hi ,
We are planning to Cleanup some unwanted CMDB CIs .
Is there a way we can Hide or deactivate them before deleting them later.
Thank you
Uttam Sai S
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4 weeks ago
Hi,
ServiceNow CMDB supports data archiving which will house the data in a separate archiving table in preparation for deletion. Data can de-archived prior, but the archive table isn't intended for day-to-day use.
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3 weeks ago
Hi @Uttam Sai ,
Yes, you can "hide" or deactivate CMDB CIs before deleting them later—a common best practice to safeguard operational history, auditability, and prevent accidental loss. In ServiceNow, this is typically achieved by setting a CI’s operational status (for example, to "Retired") or updating the install status (to values like "Absent" or "Disposed") instead of directly deleting the CI.
You can check this question in community:-https://www.servicenow.com/community/sysadmin-forum/delete-quot-absent-quot-ci/m-p/2427783
How to Hide or Deactivate CMDB CIs
Change the Operational Status:
Update the Install Status:
Mark as Non-Principal Class / Remove from Dashboards:
Key Points:
Archiving: Instead of deleting immediately, archiving or setting the CI as non-operational is recommended for compliance and reverting decisions if necessary.
Deletion: Once verified as safe and unwanted, these CIs can be batch deleted from the CMDB using Data Manager or deletion jobs.
Best Practice: Never delete critical CIs without first retiring/inactivating, analyzing dependencies, and retaining necessary audit records.
This approach is widely used for CMDB hygiene and ensures a safe, reversible deactivation and cleanup process in ServiceNow
If it is helpful, please hit the thumbs button and accept the correct solution by referring to this solution in the future it will be helpful to them.
Thanks & Regards,
Mohammed Mustaq Shaik
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4 weeks ago
Hi,
ServiceNow CMDB supports data archiving which will house the data in a separate archiving table in preparation for deletion. Data can de-archived prior, but the archive table isn't intended for day-to-day use.
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3 weeks ago
Hi @Kieran Anson ,
Thank you so much for your response .
Could you please help me understand if there is any other alternate to deactivate/Hide CIs manually.
Any inputs are much appreciated.
Thank you
Uttam Sai S
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3 weeks ago
hi @Uttam Sai ,
Where exactly you are looking to hide these ci's. From main CMDB_CI table view or you want to hide these ci's from incident, change process? Please let me know.
Regards,
Srinija
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3 weeks ago
Hi @srinija_itom ,
I am exploring the ways to hide the CIs from table as well as incident, change process.
Please let me know both approaches
Thank you
Uttam Sai S
