I did find this article which seems to be on track, however, this seems to require a physical onsite trip to "FIX/Repair" the GUEST-flat.vmdx file http://whiteboardninja.wordpress.com/2012/03/05/recover-a-vm-from-the-vm-flat-vmdk-file/ Steps to recover a VM from just the flat.vmdk file:
Build new temp VM with EXACTLY identical vmkd file size Connect via CLI Rename temp-flat.vmkd file Copy existing-flat.vmdk file and rename to temp-flat.vmkd Power on temp VM Jean-Paul Natola From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: RE: [NTSysADM] VMware Guest- unable to start Date: Sat, 19 Apr 2014 17:34:49 +0000 Well it isn’t the free version if that’s the error (VMGuest on ip.add.ress in ha-datacenter) but I’d remove it from inventory and re add it unless someone has a better solution. Make sure all the datastores are visible first and see if you can find the file. John W. Cook Director of Network Operations Partnership For Strong Families 5950 NW 1st Place Gainesville, Fl 32607 Office (352) 244-1610 Cell (352) 215-6944 MCSE, MCP+I, MCTS, CompTIA A+, N+, Security + VSP4, VTSP4 From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of J- P Sent: Saturday, April 19, 2014 1:04 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [NTSysADM] VMware Guest- unable to start Hi all, I went to do switch and cabinet cleanup yesterday and the onsite person "swears" everything was shut down properly before I arrived, however, after getting everything cleaned-up and powered back the on WMware (free version, ESXi maybe?) wouldn't start the second guest (a 2003 dc) The other guest 2008TS started fine, here is the error the vsphere shows; Error message on VMGuest on ip.add.ress in ha-datacenter Reason the system cannot find the file specified Cannot open the disk '/vmfs/volumes/4dc15064-c7d95a1c-a03e-002219b75eae/GUEST/GUEST.vmdk' or one of the snapshotdisks it depends on VMware ESV cannot find the virtual disk '/vmfs/volumes/4dc15064-c7d95a1c-a03e-002219b75eae/GUEST/GUEST.vmdk' verify the path is valid and try again. Type ID: Error Host build 348481 Target Object type ComputeResource DataCenter Object type; Datacenter Host Object Type HostSystem VirtualMachine Object Type; VirtualMachine CahinId; 17 NOTE: I When I browse the data store I don't see GUEST.VMDK, what I do See is GUEST-flat.vmdk Jean-Paul Natola CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT: The information transmitted, or contained or attached to or with this Notice is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain Protected Health Information (PHI), confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, transmission, dissemination, or other use of, and taking any action in reliance upon this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient without the express written consent of the sender are prohibited. This information may be protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), and other Federal and Florida laws. Improper or unauthorized use or disclosure of this information could result in civil and/or criminal penalties. Consider the environment. Please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to.
