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.
Can we assume that this drive " the Crucial MX500 solid state drive" has the best state of data that is available ?
yes has not been changed at all
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
We have no Linux PCs or VMs. Small shop. I will need to find a VM download.
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.
That link just times out
https://www.ufsexplorer.com/recovery-cd.php
will not download
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
I am downloading the suggested iso now and will get it on the PC with the VM installed now.
We have the software downloaded and loaded on the machine with the VM on it. How do we proceed from here?
I can not detect the disk in the in the Ubuntu VM when launched, any hints?
I need more details .... what have you tried ...
the UFS-LiveCD has buildin Teamviewer - it is easy to assist remotely
Ulli
I do have that iso installed on my machine and with a copy of all files we need to recover. What would you suggest?
I have been struggling to get the drive to mount so I can run commands on it.
WE are wasting time - either provide more details or lets continue this via skype.
Ulli
Please lets schedule a skype session. I need to know when you will be available as I will meet your schedule.
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
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!
skype meeting opened.