Recover Deleted VMDK from Datastore: Expert Guide for VMDK
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Written By
Aaradhya Jain -
Approved By
Shivam Rathore -
Updated on
November 24th, 2025 - Read Time
6 minutes
User Query: I accidentally deleted a VMDK file from my ESXi datastore. My virtual machine won’t boot now, and all important data seems gone. Is there any way to recover deleted VMDK from datastore without losing the VM data?
Summary: A VMDK file is the heart of a virtual machine. It stores your entire virtual disk: OS, data, applications, and settings. Many VMware users panic when this happens, but the good news is that VMDK recovery is possible in most cases. In this blog, you’ll learn simple manual methods and a professional DRS VMDK Repair Tool to restore deleted VMDK from Datastore securely. If you deleted it accidentally, lost it due to corruption, or removed it during storage cleanup, these steps can help you get your VM back.
What Deletes VMDK Files?
Understanding the reason helps you pick the right recovery method.
- Accidental deletion during VM maintenance.
- Datastore cleanup or reorganization.
- Improper snapshot deletion.
- Corruption in the datastore.
- Power failure or hardware issues.
- Moreover, ESXi misconfiguration.
Can You Really Recover Deleted VMDK from Datastore?
Yes. VMware stores VM data in multiple files inside the datastore. Even if you delete the main VMDK, the delta files, snapshots, logs, or flat files may still remain, and you can use them to rebuild the disk. The recovery success depends on:
- Time since deletion.
- Datastore type (VMFS/NFS).
- Overwritten data.
- Also, the availability of snapshots or backups.
Manual Methods to Repair Deleted VMDK from Datastore
Before you try any recovery method, make sure you stop using the datastore immediately to avoid overwriting the deleted VMDK file. Below are the safest manual techniques you can follow to restore your VMDK data without causing further damage.
Method 01: Recover Corrupted VMDK File from Datastore
If the VMDK file still appears in the datastore (sometimes metadata gets removed, but files stay). Here is how you can perform it:
- Firstly, log in to vSphere/ESXi.
- Now, go to Storage > Datastore Browser.
- Then, open the VM’s folder.
- After that, look for:
Vmname-00001.vmdk
vmname-00002.vmdk - If available, download or reattach them.
- Add the recovered VMDK back to the VM via Edit Settings.
- This method works if the file is not fully deleted.
Method 02: Repair Deleted VMDK from Datastore
If snapshots exist, they may contain the missing VM data. Steps to follow:
- Primarily, locate snapshot delta disks:
Vmname-00001.vmdk
Vmname-00002.vmdk - Use Snapshot Manager → Consolidate.
- VMware rebuilds the base VMDK using available snapshots.
- Finally, snapshot-based recovery works only if earlier snapshots were not deleted.
Method 03: Repair Deleted VMDK from Datastore
If you have backup systems like Veeam, Nakivo, Acronis, and VMware Data Protection. You can directly restore the VMDK or the entire VM. Steps:
- First, open your backup application.
- Further, select the VM or VMDK.
- Next, restore to the original datastore or a new one.
- This is the safest method if backups exist.
Method 04: Recover VMDK Using ESXi Command Line
Advanced users can check the datastore history and try reconstructing the disk using the CLI.
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- Commands to locate files:
- ls -lh /vmfs/volumes/datastorename/vmfolder/
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- To search for flat VMDK files:
- find /vmfs/volumes/ -name “*flat.vmdk”
- If the flat file exists, you can recreate the descriptor file and attach it.
Limitations of Manual Recovery
- Manual recovery works only when:
- Files are partially deleted
- Flat VMDK is still present
- Backups are available
- It does NOT work if:
- The entire VMDK was deleted
- Datastore is overwritten
- No snapshots or backup exist
- VMFS metadata is corrupted
Professional Tool to Recover Deleted VMDK from Datastore
The DRS VMDK Repair Tool is one of the best recovery tools to repair and restore Virtual Disk Data. Offer multiple recovery modes: Standard, Advanced, and Deep. Also, provide multiple Scanning Modes: Standard and Advanced. Also, this tool is helpful to recover all possible data. Support all file formats, like NTFS, FAT32, FAT16, RAW, and more. Designed with a simple and user-friendly interface, it can be easily used by any user without requiring technical skills.
One-Time Service Available
If you don’t want to install any software or handle the recovery steps yourself, DRS also offers a One-Time VMDK Recovery Service. This service is designed for users who need expert help to restore their deleted or corrupted VMDK files safely.
- 100% safe and private recovery.
- Zero data loss during the process.
- Also, no software installation is required.
How to Recover Corrupted VMDK File from Datastore Professionally?
- Firstly, download and install the DRS VMDK Recovery Tool.
- Select: Fixed Disk or Dynamic Disk from the two options.
- Click on Browse to add your corrupted VMDK files.
- After that, choose Custom Settings for Selected Volumes.
- Then, choose Recovery Modes from the given list.
- You can preview all your recovered VMDK files.
- Lastly, click Save to complete the recovery process.
Real-Life Example
A system admin accidentally removed a datastore folder containing two VM VMDKs during cleanup. VMware was unable to detect the virtual machine. No backups were available. Using the professional recovery tool, he scanned the datastore drive, recovered the deleted VMDK files, and rebuilt the VM in less than 30 minutes, all data intact.
Conclusion
In this technical blog post, we explored several methods to recover deleted VMDK from Datastore. Manual steps work only when some VM data still exists, but they can be tricky and limited. For complete and safe recovery, the DRS VMDK Recovery Tool is the easiest option. If you don’t want to handle the process yourself, the One-Time Recovery Service helps you get your VMDK files back safely with zero data loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: Stop using the datastore immediately. Any new activity can overwrite the deleted VMDK sectors and reduce the chances of recovery.
Ans: You can try checking for remaining flat/delta files, use snapshots, restore from backups, or scan the datastore using a professional VMDK recovery tool.
Ans: No. VMware does not offer a direct undelete option. Recovery is possible only through snapshots, backups, or third-party recovery tools.
Ans: Yes. The DRS VMDK Recovery Tool can scan your datastore and restore deleted, corrupted, or missing VMDK files safely with zero data loss.
About The Author:
I, Aaradhya Jain, a technical content writer at DRS Solutions, specializes in delivering clear, practical guides on data management, migration, and recovery tools. With a detail-oriented and user-first approach mindset, I transform complex processes into actionable insights for IT professionals and decision-makers.