Undelete Vmfs File

Sometimes a VM isn't deleted; it’s just "unregistered." Browse the datastore via the vSphere Client to see if the folder and its files still exist. If they do, simply right-click the VMX file and select Register VM.

| Method | Tool(s) | Success Factor | Complexity | |--------|---------|----------------|-------------| | ESXi vmkfstools (undelete) | vmkfstools -U | Very low (rarely works) | Low | | Linux VMFS driver | vmfs-tools , vmfs6-tools | Medium | Medium | | Commercial recovery | UFS Explorer, R-Studio, DiskInternals | High | Low (GUI) | | Manual hex carving | dd , grep , scalpel | Low (requires deep skill) | High | undelete vmfs file

If you were running on snapshots, the "base" VMDK might be intact while only the most recent changes (delta files) were lost. Phase 2: Manual Recovery via Command Line Sometimes a VM isn't deleted; it’s just "unregistered

The primary challenge in undeleting VMFS files is the lack of a built-in "recycle bin" or native "undo" command within VMware vSphere. Once a file is deleted from the datastore browser or via the command line, the change is committed. Therefore, the first and most vital step in any recovery effort is to cease all write operations to the affected datastore. In a clustered environment, this often means putting the host in maintenance mode or unmounting the datastore. If the environment continues to run, the ESXi host may overwrite the "free" blocks with logs, swap files, or new virtual disks, making recovery impossible. Phase 2: Manual Recovery via Command Line The

VMFS (Virtual Machine File System) is VMware's clustered file system used to store virtual machines (VMDKs, VMX, logs, etc.) on shared block storage (SAN, iSCSI, or local disks). Accidentally deleting a virtual machine file (e.g., a .vmdk or .vmx ) is a common administrative mistake.

Ensure your storage array supports vStorage APIs for Array Integration. This can sometimes provide an extra layer of "trash can" functionality at the hardware level. Summary Checklist Stop all writes to the affected datastore immediately.