Unable to open file ".vmdk". The system cannot find the file specified

[kawigraphics]

This error pops up when trying to start my VMware. I'm new to this VM. Need urgent assistance

Message was edited by: Philip Obonyo Added Filelist.txt

[a_p_]

Welcome to the Community.

one of the .vmdk files ("Kawigraphics-s006.vmdk") which make up the VM's virtual disk is missing.

Please run dir *.* /one > filelist.txt in the VM's folder, and attach the resulting filelist.txt to a reply post to find out what can be done.

I also recommend that - unless already done - you backup the VM's folder/files at this point in time.

Btw., do you have a recent backup?

André

[kawigraphics]

I've added it and I don't have a recent backup but I've now created one for future proof

[a_p_ · Accepted solution]

The data that was stored in "Kawigraphics-s006.vmdk" is unfortunately lost.

However, what we can do is to replace the missing file with a newly created dummy file that only contains the required metadata.

The steps I'd suggest are:

1. create a temporary "dummy" VM (no OS installation required) with the exact same virtual disk size, and type (160GB unless I'm mistaken)
2. copy "dummy-s006.vmdk" to the original VM's folder, and rename it to the "Kawigraphics-s006.vmdk"
3. create a snapshot for the "Kawigraphics" VM (this way its current .vmdk files won't get modified)
4. power on the VM, and check the guest file system for errors and/or backup important data

If the VM works as expected, you may then delete the previously created snapshot, and also the dummy VM.

I unfortunately can't tell you what caused the issue, but sometimes such issues are caused by On Access A/V scanning. What you may consider, is to exclude *.vm* files from being scanned.

André