Deleting a VMDK while it is still in use by an active snapshot, resulting in a locked or fragmented disk.
If you ever accidentally delete a VMDK file while the VM is running, do not touch the VM . The raw .flat.vmdk is likely still there. Use vmkfstools to rebuild the pointer file. And always, always triple-check which datastore folder you’re in before clicking delete.
VMware provides a few built-in features that can help you recover a deleted VMDK file: deleted vmdk
Two seconds later, his phone rings. It’s the on-call developer.
If you're lucky, the deleted VMDK file might still be in the Recycle Bin (or Trash) on your Windows or macOS system. Check if the file is still present and restore it to its original location. Deleting a VMDK while it is still in
The Midnight Click
Sometimes, if a VM is powered on, the file is locked. Even if "deleted," the file might not actually disappear until the lock is released. Use vmkfstools to rebuild the pointer file
Alex’s blood turns to ice. He checks the running VMs. The production CRM server—the one that processes $50,000 in sales per hour—is named
If the above methods don't work, you can try using third-party recovery tools specifically designed for VMDK file recovery. Some popular options include:
This is complex and requires a mounted snapshot or a recovery tool specialized for VMFS.
If the VM was removed but not "permanently" deleted, check the datastore browser to see if the files are still present but just unlinked from the VM inventory. Connect via vSphere Client. Navigate to > Datastore . Browse the folder of the deleted VM.