Top 5 Free VMDK Recovery Tool to Recover VMDK File

Virtual Machine Disk (VMDK) files are critical components of VMware virtual machines, storing everything from operating systems to applications and data. However, VMDK files are not immune to corruption, accidental deletion, or other issues that can render them inaccessible. When these files become compromised, a reliable VMware VMDK recovery tool is essential to retrieve VMDK files.

In this guide, we’ll explore the 5 best free VMDK recovery tools available that can help you recover your valuable VMDK files. These tools are ranked based on their effectiveness, ease of use, and unique features, ensuring you have the best options to tackle any VMDK recovery scenario.

VMware Data Recovery Tool – MyRecover

This section introduces the top 5 free VMDK recovery tools.

1. MyRecover

MyRecover is a popular data recovery tool, its powerful features make it a go-to tool for both professionals and individuals needing to recover VMDK files quickly and efficiently. It supports a wide range of file types and storage media and supports data recovery for sudden deletion, disk formatting, hard drive failures, and system crashes.

🎏 Key Features of MyRecover:

Easy-to-Use Interface: MyRecover is designed with simplicity in mind, making it accessible even to those who are not tech-savvy.

Support for Multiple File Types: Besides VMDK file recovery, MyRecover can recover 200+ file types, such as documents, photos, videos, music, and emails.

Deep Scan Technology: MyRecover uses advanced algorithms to perform deep scans of your storage devices, ensuring even the most corrupted VMDK files can be recovered.

Preview Before Recovery: This feature allows you to preview recoverable files, including VMDK files, before performing the recovery, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Excellent compatibility: Recover data from formatted hard drives, flash drives, memory cards, and VMware disks in Windows 11/10/8/7 & Windows Server.

👍 Pros of MyRecover:

Free version with up to 500 MB of VMDK recovery

Easy-to-use interface to recover files in 3 simple clicks

The high recovery rate for various data loss scenarios

Non-overwritten VMDK files can retain their filenames/formats/path/quality/content

👎 Cons of MyRecover:

Not supported on Mac/Linux

How to Recover VMDK Files with MyRecover

Now, free download and install MyRecover on your computer as soon as possible. Here’s how you can use MyRecover to recover VMDK files effectively.

Step 1. Select the drive and start scanning

Download MyRecover on a Windows PC, install, and run it. Then hover over the hard drive where your VMDK file is located, and click Scan.

Step 2. Scan the drive and preview VMDK files

Once the scan is complete, you’ll see a list of recoverable files. You can filter data based on Files Type, Size, Date, etc., and preview the VMDK files to ensure they are intact.

• Type: Select the file type (Documents, Images, Videos, Audios, Mails, Webpages, Compressed files, etc.)
• Date modified: Set the date (today, yesterday, last 7/30 days, etc.)
• Size: Filter the file size (<128KB, 128KB~1MB, 1MB~ 512MB, 512MB above, etc.)

Step 3. Recover VMDK files

Choose the VMDK files you want to recover and click Recover X Files. Choose a safe location to save the recovered files.

2. DiskInternals VMFS Recovery

DiskInternals VMFS Recovery is one of the most robust and reliable VMDK recovery tools on the market. It's designed to recover lost or corrupted VMDK files from VMFS disks used by VMware. Whether you're dealing with accidental deletions, file system errors, or corrupted virtual disks, this tool can handle it.

🎏 Key Features of DiskInternals VMFS Recovery:

Comprehensive Recovery: Supports the recovery of not only VMDK files but also VMFS volumes and partitions.

Preview Before Recovery: Allows you to preview the recoverable data before actually performing the recovery, ensuring you get the exact files you need.

Advanced Search: Features an advanced search option to locate and recover specific VMDK files quickly.

Compatibility: Compatible with various versions of VMware, including ESXi, vSphere, and Workstation.

👍 Pros of DiskInternals VMFS Recovery:

High recovery success rate

User-friendly interface

Supports a wide range of VMware environments

👎 Cons of DiskInternals VMFS Recovery:

The full version is pricey

The free version has limited functionality

3. Stellar Data Recovery Technician

Stellar Data Recovery Technician is another powerful tool that supports VMDK file recovery. It’s known for its versatility and ability to recover data from various types of storage media, making it a great option for those who manage multiple virtual environments.

🎏 Key Features :

Wide Compatibility: Supports recovery from VMDK files stored on RAID arrays, hard drives, SSDs, and other storage media.

Deep Scan: Performs a deep scan of your storage media to recover even the most corrupted or lost VMDK files.

File Preview: Offers a preview of recoverable files before saving them, allowing you to verify the integrity of the data.

Remote Recovery: Includes the option for remote recovery, which is particularly useful in large enterprise environments.

👍 Pros:

Can recover data from a variety of storage devices

Offers both quick and deep scan options

Intuitive user interface

👎 Cons:

The deep scan can be time-consuming

The advanced features are only available in the paid version

4. Ontrack PowerControls for VMware

Ontrack PowerControls for VMware is a specialized tool designed specifically for VMware environments. It focuses on recovering data from VMDK files, as well as managing and repairing them. It’s highly regarded for its ability to recover data from severely damaged VMDK files.

🎏 Key Features:

Granular Recovery: Allows for the granular recovery of specific files within a VMDK, saving time and resources.

Search Functionality: Features advanced search capabilities to locate specific data within VMDK files quickly.

File Integrity Check: Provides a file integrity check to ensure that the recovered data is intact and usable.

Ease of Use: The tool is straightforward, with a focus on simplicity and efficiency in data recovery.

👍 Pros:

Excellent for targeted file recovery

Simple and intuitive interface

Strong focus on VMware environments

👎 Cons:

Limited to VMware environments

Higher cost compared to other tools

5. Wondershare Recoverit

Wondershare Recoverit is a popular data recovery tool known for its versatility and ease of use. While it’s not specifically designed for VMDK recovery, it supports a wide range of file types and storage media, making it a viable option for recovering VMDK files in many scenarios.

🎏 Key Features:

Versatile Recovery: Supports over 1000 file types, including VMDK files, and works with various storage media.

Quick and Deep Scans: Offers both quick and deep scan modes to recover lost data based on the severity of the file loss.

User-Friendly Interface: Designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy for users of all technical levels to navigate.

Preview Option: Allows you to preview files before recovery to ensure they are intact.

👍 Pros:

Wide file type and storage media support

Easy to use with a clean interface

Affordable compared to other professional recovery tools

👎 Cons:

Not as specialized for VMDK recovery

Deep scan can be slow on large drives

Further Reading: How to Know if a VMDK File Is Corrupted

VMware stores its data in VMDK file format, which can be prone to corruption. This can happen due to issues like hard disk failures, hardware malfunctions, or software problems. Other common causes of VMDK file corruption include:

Corruption in the VMDK flat or VMDK file.

A missing descriptor file.

An incorrect description section in the VMDK flat file.

If the VMDK file is missing and you try to power on the virtual machine, you might see errors like:

"The system cannot find the file specified"

"Failed to power on. A file was not found"

"Unable to find file"

Conclusion

With these free VMDK recovery tools, recovering lost or corrupted VMDK files no longer has to be a stressful experience. Free tools like MyRecover can effectively meet your VMDK recovery needs, and the free version allows you to recover deleted files, up to 500MB for free. You can give it a try!

For more complex cases, it is recommended to use a dedicated VMware recovery solution. Remember to take preventive measures to protect your VMDK files from future loss, ensuring your virtual environments remain secure and operational.

FAQs About VMDK Recovery

1. How to recover a file from VMDK?

To recover a file from a VMDK, first, go to the Content tab and select the virtual machine you're working with. You'll see the configuration and VMDK files for that virtual machine displayed on the right side of the screen. From there, choose the VMDK files you need and click on "Recover All Selected" at the bottom of the window.

2. Are free VMDK recovery tools effective?

Whether you are looking for a dedicated VMware recovery solution or an all-in-one tool like MyRecover, there is a VMDK recovery tool that can effectively meet your needs.

3. What’s the best way to prevent VMDK file corruption?

Using free backup software, AOMEI Backupper to backup files regularly, using reliable hardware, and following proper shutdown procedures are key to preventing VMDK file corruption.

4. How do I get data from a VMDK file?

To get data from a VMDK file, open VMware Workstation Player and create a new virtual machine. Choose "I will install the operating system later" during setup. When setting up the disk, select "Use an existing virtual disk" and pick your VMDK file. Start the virtual machine, and you'll be able to access the VMDK file.

5. What can open VMDK files?

To open VMDK files, you'll need a hypervisor such as VMware ESXi, VMware Workstation, VMware Player, or Oracle VirtualBox installed on your computer. You can open the VMDK files by powering on an existing virtual machine. Alternatively, you can use a live DVD or mount the VMDK file as a virtual disk using other tools.