How to Recover a deleted folder and .vmdk file

[ARSB]

Dear all,

I accidentally deleted the .vmdk file and its folder by removing the Inventory from the virtual machine. How can I recover the Folder and the .vmdk file?

I have also found Knowledge Base relating to recovery of .vmdk file. It does not, however, mentioned on recovery of missing Folder.

Assistance much needed. Thanks in advance.

Clement

[BillClaudio]

Hi I have the same problem that I mistakenly deleted the virtual machine from the VMFS6 datastore as I can recover the VM. thank you so much

Claudio

[Ekesh]

Hello,

I have done the undoneable! I need help and can not find any anywhere. I am trying to manage a charitable non-profit organization VMware Vcenter and just "deleted from disk" an important VM 😞

I would love to have your attention over my issue if only you had a little time for me.

Just sent an Skype invite to connect. Thank you. Eke

[continuum]

Hi

please read https://communities.vmware.com/t5/VMware-vSphere-Documents/Create-a-VMFS-Header-dump-using-an-ESXi-H...

try to create a dump like I describe in that document.

If you run into problems - send a message per skype - or ask here.  See my signature ...

Ulli

[B36UK]

I have the same issue , can you help me please @continuum 

[TheKislota]

Hi, I`m having similar problem, already wrote in skype to you.

[continuum]

Hello - most important next step: stop if possible all activity on the affected datastore.

If that is not possible due to active mission critical VMs at least stop all thin provisioned VMs.

Then create a dump as described here:
https://communities.vmware.com/t5/VMware-vSphere-Documents/Create-a-VMFS-Header-dump-using-an-ESXi-H...

When you create the dump and upload it - give it a name that allows me to connect your uploaded to your skype or forum name.
Add details about the lost VM: the more the better !

Ulli

[Adytzu]

Hello!

I have a similar problem, somehow: I put a secondary datastore because one of hdd from initial datastore was broken. 
I use Move command to move all folders from datastore1 to datastore2, I delete VM from inventory and after that, add to inventory vm from datastore2.
Everything seem to be fine, all VM started, but from one of them (Xpenology), missing a lot of file. 😞
How can I solve this? 
Unfortunately, I don't have a backup of vmdk files.

[a_p_]

From what you say, it looks like the VM has/had active snapshots, which were not carried over to the new location, or the VM has been reconfigured without taking the snapshots into account.

To see what can be done, shutdown the VM immediately to avoid further modifications. Then - as a first step - run ls -lisa from the command line in the VM's folder, and post the command's output.

André

[smchecho]

hello please help me, i deleted a vmdk from a vmware 6.7 by accident and i need to recover i 

[continuum]

Read my reply a few posts up ... - I need a dump like dewcribed in the doc I linked - or ust contact me via skype ....

Ulli

[marraj]

I have a vm that was deleted about 2 months ago. that i need to recover..

Of course our backpus expired about 1 month ago.

I am checking with the backup vendor if they have a way to recover.

It looks like from this thread other users were able to recover deleted vms/vmdk files from a datastore.

I am in need of this same service or solution.

It is not clear to me in the post how the files were recovered.

my email is jmarra@patelco.org.

please reply there if possible with a solution or next steps to a solution.

thank you

PS the VMware host ist still live as with all the datastores.

[continuum]

Wow - it was deleted 2 months ago ?
If the datastore was busy all the since then you need a miracle or ESXi 4 or 5 ...
Call me via skype

Ulli

[yogi000]

Hi continuum

are you able to help with these issues?

Are you still on skype?

[continuum]

yes

[yogi000]

i sent you a message on skype

[continuum]

Let me know when it is supposed to arrive

[yogi000]

says waiting on you to accept invite

[continuum]

I have not received an invitation.

Ulli

[aixnet]

Solved

[Mukhia]

Hi,

I am trying to reach you regarding the same issue. I have deleted a vm from disk itself and unable to recover it.

Asking for your help.

Regards,

Durga Mukhia