Edit the descriptor file with a text editor like vi to ensure it points to your original -flat.vmdk . Restoring from Backups or Snapshots
If the -flat.vmdk file is still visible in your datastore but the .vmdk descriptor is gone, you can recreate it:
If you have a robust backup strategy, this is the most reliable manual method:
Here is a step-by-step guide to recover deleted VMDK files using Disk Drill:
In the vSphere Client, check the Snapshot Manager. You may be able to revert the VM to a state prior to the deletion.
If the VMDK was on an NFS datastore or local drive (e.g., Workstation/Player):
of the same size and controller type: vmkfstools -c [SIZE] -a lsilogic temp.vmdk .