vmkfstools -i vmname-flat.vmdk -d thin vmname_new.vmdk

The name "flat" refers to its linear, raw format—it is not sparse or compressed. Its size is exactly equal to the of the virtual disk.

Tools like qemu-img can convert raw disk images into various VMDK subformats, including monolithicFlat , which utilizes the flat extent format.

You cannot just delete the flat file. Instead, use vmkfstools -K to punch holes (UNMAP/TRIM) if the underlying storage supports it, converting zeroed blocks to reclaimed space.

This is a small text file that contains metadata. It describes the geometry of the disk (cylinders, heads, sectors), the hardware version, and, most importantly, a pointer to the data file.

If your VM won't power on and the .vmdk text file is missing, follow these high-level steps using the ESXi CLI:

Vmdk-flat [verified] -

vmkfstools -i vmname-flat.vmdk -d thin vmname_new.vmdk

The name "flat" refers to its linear, raw format—it is not sparse or compressed. Its size is exactly equal to the of the virtual disk. vmdk-flat

Tools like qemu-img can convert raw disk images into various VMDK subformats, including monolithicFlat , which utilizes the flat extent format. vmkfstools -i vmname-flat

You cannot just delete the flat file. Instead, use vmkfstools -K to punch holes (UNMAP/TRIM) if the underlying storage supports it, converting zeroed blocks to reclaimed space. You cannot just delete the flat file

This is a small text file that contains metadata. It describes the geometry of the disk (cylinders, heads, sectors), the hardware version, and, most importantly, a pointer to the data file.

If your VM won't power on and the .vmdk text file is missing, follow these high-level steps using the ESXi CLI: