Know where the tiger is?
| If this is missing... | Your data status | Recovery difficulty | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | vmname.vmdk (1KB) | (Needs a map) | Easy (5 minutes) | | vmname-flat.vmdk (100GB) | Lost (Data is gone) | Hard (Requires backups) | | vmname.vmx (Config) | Safe (VM still runs) | Easy (Just recreate) | Pro Tip: Stop This From Happening Again Enable VMware Snapshots with memory? No. The real pro move is backing up the descriptor files .
vmkfstools -x check /path/to/your/orphaned-flat.vmdk If it reports a problem, run: vmdk recovery file
If you’ve ever stared at a failed VM and seen the words “Unable to open disk” or “Metadata file is missing,” you know the feeling. Your stomach drops. | If this is missing
Run this simple cron job or script weekly: The real pro move is backing up the descriptor files
