How to recover lost configuration file for virtual machine in ESX 3.0.1 ?

[ketalparikh]

After adding the ESX 3.0.1 host into management server, one of my virtual machine was showing disconnected and in the event, the reason was shown " No configuration file found for this VM" .. Now what should I do to retrieve this configuration file?

Any help is highly appreciated..

Thanks,

Ketal

[cheeko]

Delete from VC and re-register the VM.

[ketalparikh]

Thanks for your reply.

I did, but I can't see the VM in my ESX 3.0.1 now.

I tries to browse the data store of that ESX host and found that .vmx file for this VM is missing..

What should I do now?

Thanks,

Ketal

[cheeko]

I assume you've no backup ...

So create a new VM with the same config and attach your VMDK files.

[esiebert7625]

Create a new VM and for hard disk tell it to use an existing virtual disk file and then select your vmdk file.

[ketalparikh]

Hi,

Same config in the sense, Memory, HDD, NICs and all? How do I attach my vmdk files? right after adding a new VM or after installing OS ?

Thanks,

Ketal

[esiebert7625]

Yes same hardware config but select use an existing disk when you are creating the new VM in the wizard. The OS is still already installed on the existing vmdk file.

[cheeko]

Yep, the virtual hardware config.

You don't need to install the OS as you still have your VMDK files.

While in the VMs config, select new Disk, select existing (don't know the exact words but this is the meaning) and browse for the VMDKs of your VM.

[ketalparikh]

I did. is it going to take some time? as it shows 'in progress' status..

will I be able to power on right after this process is over?

Thanks,

Ketal

[cheeko]

That should go quite fast. Boot it up as soon your config is done.

[ketalparikh]

It says "unable to access a file as it is locked."

[cheeko · Accepted solution]

Is your (old) VM still running?

[ketalparikh]

Oh.. it has came up now..

Thanks..

[cheeko]

You can mark answers as correct. Just in case ...

[ketalparikh]

Yup \!!!

Thanks so much !!

[cheeko]

de nada