To recreate a compatible descriptor, you need the exact size of the flat file and its SCSI controller type.
The command above creates both temp.vmdk (descriptor) and temp-flat.vmdk (data). Delete the dummy data file as you only need the descriptor: rm -i temp-flat.vmdk . Rename and edit the descriptor recover vmdk from flat file
vmkfstools -i vmname-flat.vmdk vmname_recovered.vmdk -d thin To recreate a compatible descriptor, you need the
Before starting the VM, check the disk chain for consistency. vmkfstools -e original_name.vmdk Use code with caution. To recreate a compatible descriptor
Run the following command on the ESXi host where the datastore is mounted:
Steps to recover a .vmdk file from flat.vmdk file - actsupport