VMDK & snapshot problems
Missing descriptors, corrupted virtual disks, incomplete copies, detached disks or broken delta/snapshot dependencies can prevent a VM from starting even when the datastore is reachable.
When an ESXi datastore becomes inaccessible, a VMDK is damaged or a virtual machine disappears, the first step is to identify which layer failed—before making further changes to the storage.
Aesonlabs offers case-by-case technical assessment of VMware and virtual-server data loss, from virtual disk files and snapshot dependencies to VMFS volumes backed by physical storage. We determine whether the next step involves supplied files, a storage image or laboratory evaluation of failed drives.
Virtual-server recovery depends on what is still accessible. A damaged VMDK and a missing VMFS datastore require different evidence, tools and handling. We begin by separating the problem into the appropriate recovery path.
Missing descriptors, corrupted virtual disks, incomplete copies, detached disks or broken delta/snapshot dependencies can prevent a VM from starting even when the datastore is reachable.
A datastore may be unmounted, inaccessible, deleted or affected by damaged filesystem metadata. The question is whether the underlying LUN/image and required VMFS structures are still available.
When disks, a RAID controller, SAN or NAS storage fail beneath ESXi, recovery begins at the storage layer before VMFS and virtual disks can be examined.
Describe the original event rather than just the current error message. The sequence of failed operations often determines what remains recoverable.
VMFS volume no longer mounts, the datastore appears missing, or virtual machines are marked inaccessible or orphaned.
A virtual machine was removed from disk or a virtual disk file was deleted. Overwriting and available storage snapshots are major factors.
Missing descriptor or extent files, inconsistent virtual-disk metadata, truncated images or an interrupted copy/restore.
A delta file is missing, consolidation failed or parent/child disk references no longer resolve correctly.
Underlying storage is degraded, offline or incorrectly reconfigured, affecting one or many VMFS datastores.
The VM may still boot, but the guest filesystem, database or application data is corrupt, deleted or inaccessible.
When data is missing, additional write operations can overwrite recoverable structures or alter the only remaining snapshot chain. Where operationally safe, stop writes to the affected datastore and preserve existing files, storage snapshots and configuration details.
For live production environments, coordinate any shutdown or change with your administrator to avoid disrupting unaffected workloads.
Unlike a failed standalone hard drive, an enterprise VMware environment may contain multiple virtual machines, large datastores and hardware that cannot simply be boxed up. We first determine what information can be reviewed without moving the entire system.
Where the host and storage are stable, the first review may use the relevant VM/VMDK filenames, errors, screenshots, backup status, storage layout and available non-sensitive diagnostic information.
Depending on the case, a copied virtual-disk set or an image of the affected storage may be more useful than access to the running environment.
If the LUN, RAID or disk media is unstable, a controlled storage acquisition or lab evaluation may be needed before any logical VMware analysis.
We confirm the device set, original slot order and transport requirements before asking you to remove or ship anything.
You do not need to know every technical detail. The model and sequence of events help us separate a logical VM problem from a datastore or physical-storage failure before proposing work.
Send Your Case DetailsPlatform ESXi/vSphere version, host count and VM name(s)
Storage local RAID, SAN/NAS, LUN, VMFS datastore or other layout
Failure error messages, missing files, failed task and timeline
Available copies intact VMDK files, snapshots, backups and storage images
Priority which VM, database, folder or files matter most
Review the platform, available files/storage, symptoms and actions already taken.
Identify suitable copies, backups or controlled images before attempting reconstruction.
Assess VMDK/snapshot dependencies, VMFS metadata or underlying RAID as applicable.
Explain the viable route, limitations, required materials and quoted engineering work.
These distinctions help avoid unnecessary risk to the remaining data.
We will review the environment and what is still available before recommending file transfer, an image or shipment of storage media.
Please do not send passwords, encryption keys, confidential VM contents or unrestricted remote-access credentials through this form. We can discuss a suitable secure handoff if required.
Provide the model, problem and last actions taken.
Start with the failure history and the data you need. We will help determine the right assessment route.