Undelete Vmfs File ((new)) File

If tools fail, you can manually carve the .

vmkfstools -U /vmfs/volumes/datastore/path/to/deleted.file undelete vmfs file

This creates a critical window for recovery. The moment you realize a file is missing, you must stop all write operations to that datastore. If the host continues to write logs or snapshots, it may overwrite the very blocks you are trying to rescue. Phase 1: Immediate Triage If tools fail, you can manually carve the

Several third-party tools are available for recovering deleted VMFS files, including: If the host continues to write logs or

The primary challenge in undeleting VMFS files is the lack of a built-in "recycle bin" or native "undo" command within VMware vSphere. Once a file is deleted from the datastore browser or via the command line, the change is committed. Therefore, the first and most vital step in any recovery effort is to cease all write operations to the affected datastore. In a clustered environment, this often means putting the host in maintenance mode or unmounting the datastore. If the environment continues to run, the ESXi host may overwrite the "free" blocks with logs, swap files, or new virtual disks, making recovery impossible.