Before deploying heavy recovery software, check if the data loss is limited to a missing .vmdk descriptor file or if the massive -flat.vmdk data binary has also been deleted. 1. Enable SSH Access
Every write operation overwrites the metadata pointing to your deleted file’s data blocks. vmfs recover deleted files
.vmdk and other virtual machine files: DiskInternals VMFS Recovery : A widely recognized tool that can automatically detect VMFS datastores, perform deep scans to reconstruct files, and even mount recovered VMDK files as disks on Windows for data extraction. BitRecover VMFS Recovery : Offers four distinct recovery modes—deleted, formatted, partition, and raw data—and supports multiple file extensions including PDF, DOC, and XLS. Hetman Partition Recovery : Supports VMFS volumes and allows users to preview recovered files and search for them by name. UFS Explorer : Often cited in professional environments for its robust handling of complex file system structures like VMFS. DiskInternals +6 Recovery Methods Without Third-Party Software If you have maintained recent backups or snapshots, you can often restore your data without buying new software: 13 sites Recover Deleted VM From VMFS5? | VMware vSphere Dec 7, 2016 — Before deploying heavy recovery software, check if the
VMFS (Virtual Machine File System) is a file system used by VMware ESXi to store virtual machines. However, data loss can occur due to various reasons such as accidental deletion, corruption, or formatting of the VMFS datastore. To mitigate such losses, a feature to recover deleted files from VMFS datastores is essential. UFS Explorer : Often cited in professional environments
VMFS Recover Deleted Files: The Complete Guide to Data Restoration
Last updated: 2025 – for VMware ESXi 7.x/8.x with VMFS6. Always test recovery procedures in a lab before an emergency.
A free, open-source suite to read and recover VMFS. Works best for VMFS3 and some VMFS5.