From Flat File — Restore Vmdk

vmkfstools -c 42949672960 -a lsilogic -d thin temp.vmdk This creates temp.vmdk (descriptor) and temp-flat.vmdk (empty). mv vmname-flat.vmdk temp-flat.vmdk Step 4: Rename the descriptor to match your VM mv temp.vmdk vmname.vmdk Step 5: Verify the disk vmkfstools -V vmname.vmdk No errors? You’re done. Attach vmname.vmdk to your VM. Method 2: Clone the Flat File to a New VMDK (Alternative) Use this if the original descriptor is completely unrecoverable or you want a fresh, consolidated disk.

cd /vmfs/volumes/datastore-name/VM-name/ ls -la vmname-flat.vmdk Note the size in bytes (e.g., 42949672960 = 40 GB). vmkfstools -c <size-in-bytes> -a lsilogic -d thin temp.vmdk Example: restore vmdk from flat file

How to Restore a VMDK from a -flat.vmdk File (When the Descriptor is Missing) vmkfstools -c 42949672960 -a lsilogic -d thin temp