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Cheeseman22
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Deleted vmdk files

We have a VM player hosted on it's own separate drive, That 500gb drive became full and instead of moving some of the vmdk files they were deleted. We still have 000001-000002.vmdk  and 00132.-000174.vdmk files intact with all snapshot files. 

Is there a way to make this VM usable again without the deleted file. We still have 240Gb of files but machine will not start.

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continuum
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Can we assume that this drive " the Crucial MX500 solid state drive" has the best state of data that is available ?


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Do you need support with a VMFS recovery problem ? - send a message via skype "sanbarrow"
I do not support Workstation 16 at this time ...

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Cheeseman22
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yes has not been changed at all

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continuum
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Can you attatch that disk to a Linux PC or VM  and run acommand ?
Lets assume the disk is detected as /dev/sdb.
Then run the command
sudo strings /dev/sdb | grep "PC-70.klondike.local" | grep ".vmdk" >> /tmp/vmdks.txt

That command will run for hours - be patient and make sure not to fill up /tmp ...

Ulli


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Do you need support with a VMFS recovery problem ? - send a message via skype "sanbarrow"
I do not support Workstation 16 at this time ...

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Cheeseman22
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We have no Linux PCs or VMs. Small shop. I will need to find a VM download.

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continuum
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use this one https://www.sysdevlabs.com/download/ufsxbootcd.iso
Once you booted it it has Teamviewer enabled  - so it is easy to assist you.
Create new Ubuntu 64 VM and attach the SSD as physical disk if possible.

 


________________________________________________
Do you need support with a VMFS recovery problem ? - send a message via skype "sanbarrow"
I do not support Workstation 16 at this time ...

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Cheeseman22
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That link just times out

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continuum
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https://www.ufsexplorer.com/recovery-cd.php

 

 


________________________________________________
Do you need support with a VMFS recovery problem ? - send a message via skype "sanbarrow"
I do not support Workstation 16 at this time ...

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Cheeseman22
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will not download

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continuum
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I was just suggesting the most convenient / powerful recovery iso.
If that download is blocked in your environment feel free to use anything else.
As "needs to have the tool strings" is a very easy requirement this should not be to hard.
You culd even use the strings version for Windows ...

 

Ulli


________________________________________________
Do you need support with a VMFS recovery problem ? - send a message via skype "sanbarrow"
I do not support Workstation 16 at this time ...

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Cheeseman22
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I am downloading the suggested iso now and will get it on the PC with the VM installed now.

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Cheeseman22
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We have the software downloaded and loaded on the machine with the VM on it. How do we proceed from here?

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Cheeseman22
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I can not detect the disk in the in the Ubuntu VM when launched, any hints?

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continuum
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I need more details .... what have you tried ...
the UFS-LiveCD has buildin Teamviewer - it is easy  to assist remotely

Ulli


________________________________________________
Do you need support with a VMFS recovery problem ? - send a message via skype "sanbarrow"
I do not support Workstation 16 at this time ...

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Cheeseman22
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I do have that iso installed on my machine and with a copy of all files we need to recover. What would you suggest?

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Cheeseman22
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I have been struggling to get the drive to mount so I can run commands on it.

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continuum
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WE are wasting time - either provide more details or lets continue this via skype.

 

Ulli


________________________________________________
Do you need support with a VMFS recovery problem ? - send a message via skype "sanbarrow"
I do not support Workstation 16 at this time ...

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Cheeseman22
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Please lets schedule a skype session. I need to know when you will be available as I will meet your schedule.

 

 

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continuum
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Next thing to do is to run that string command ....

Recovery most of the times is 10 minutes talking, then run a command for hours and inspect the results .....
Easiest would be if you boot one host into the UFS-liveCD and then attach the image / or iso ....
We just need the result of the string command next.

My Skype is always active - I may not be listening in the middle of the night ( 0100 - 0900 ) but right now my cancer decides when I am active.

Ulli


________________________________________________
Do you need support with a VMFS recovery problem ? - send a message via skype "sanbarrow"
I do not support Workstation 16 at this time ...

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Cheeseman22
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Ulli,

I am out of the office ill today, tomorrow first thing I will start the skype session. I have been having issues attaching the drive to the VM session.  I will do my best to get everything correct. Your help has been very much appreciated!

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Cheeseman22
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skype meeting opened.

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