How to Recover Deleted Files from VMware Datastore

VMware datastores are used to store critical virtual machine files such as VMDK disks, VMX configuration files, ISO images, and snapshots. Accidentally deleting files from a VMware datastore can lead to virtual machines failing to start, data loss, or service downtime, especially in production environments.

File deletion in VMware environments can occur due to human error, datastore cleanup operations, storage issues, or misconfigured scripts. In most cases, deleted datastore files do not go to a traditional recycle bin, making recovery more complex than standard file systems.

Recovering deleted files from a VMware datastore depends on several factors, including whether the datastore blocks have been overwritten, the type of storage used, and whether backups or snapshots exist. The sections below explain the supported and practical methods to recover deleted files safely.

How to Recover Deleted Files from VMware Datastore

The methods in this section cover recovery using backups, snapshots, datastore tools, and specialized recovery approaches. Follow the steps in order, starting with the least risky option.

1. Check VMware Backups First

Backups are the safest recovery option.

1. Identify the backup solution used in your environment, such as Veeam, Nakivo, or VMware-native backups.
2. Open the backup console.
3. Locate the affected virtual machine or datastore.
4. Select a restore point created before the deletion.
5. Restore the missing files or the entire virtual machine as required.

Backup-based recovery avoids datastore-level risk.

2. Check VMware Snapshots (If Available)

Snapshots may still contain deleted files.

1. Open the vSphere Client.
2. Select the affected virtual machine.
3. Go to Snapshots.
4. Check if snapshots exist from before the deletion.
5. Restore or clone the VM from the snapshot if needed.

Snapshots are not backups but can help in limited scenarios.

3. Stop Using the Affected Datastore Immediately

Preventing overwrite is critical.

1. Power off affected virtual machines if possible.
2. Avoid creating new VMs or copying data to the datastore.
3. Disable automated tasks that write to the datastore.

This increases the chance of successful recovery.

4. Check Datastore Browser for Remaining Files

Some files may still exist partially.

1. Open vSphere Client.
2. Go to Storage.
3. Select the affected datastore.
4. Open Datastore Browser.
5. Browse the VM folder carefully.
6. Look for remaining VMDK, VMX, or descriptor files.

Sometimes only configuration files need restoration.

5. Re-register the Virtual Machine (If VM Files Exist)

The VM may still be recoverable.

1. Open Datastore Browser.
2. Navigate to the VM folder.
3. Locate the .vmx file.
4. Right-click it and select Register VM.
5. Follow the wizard and power on the VM.

This works if files were deleted logically but not fully removed.

6. Restore Deleted VMDK Descriptor File (Common Scenario)

Only the descriptor file may be missing.

1. Identify the remaining -flat.vmdk file.
2. Create a new VMDK with the same size.
3. Replace the descriptor file to point to the existing flat disk.
4. Re-register the VM.

This requires careful handling and exact parameters.

7. Recover from Storage-Level Snapshots

Some storage arrays support snapshots.

1. Check if your SAN or NAS supports snapshot recovery.
2. Identify a snapshot taken before deletion.
3. Mount or restore the datastore snapshot.
4. Copy required files back to the active datastore.

This method depends on storage vendor capabilities.

8. Use VMware ESXi Shell or SSH Carefully

Advanced users can inspect datastore blocks.

1. Enable SSH on the ESXi host.
2. Connect using an SSH client.
3. Navigate to the datastore path under /vmfs/volumes/.
4. Verify file presence or remnants.

Direct file recovery is limited and risky.

9. Attempt Recovery Using VMFS Recovery Tools

Third-party tools may help in some cases.

1. Shut down the ESXi host or unmount the datastore.
2. Attach the datastore disks to a recovery system.
3. Use a VMFS-aware recovery tool.
4. Scan and attempt file recovery.

Success depends on overwrite status and tool capability.

10. Engage VMware Support or Data Recovery Specialists

Critical data may require expert help.

1. Open a VMware support case if under support.
2. Contact enterprise data recovery providers.
3. Provide datastore type, VMFS version, and storage details.

Professional recovery is costly but sometimes necessary.

Final Thoughts

Recovering deleted files from a VMware datastore is possible, but success depends heavily on how quickly action is taken and whether the datastore blocks have been overwritten. Backups remain the most reliable and safest recovery option, followed by snapshots and storage-level recovery.