If the file is completely missing from the Datastore Browser, you will need third-party tools that can scan the layer for orphaned inodes.
A VMDK file is a virtual disk file used by VMware to store virtual machine (VM) data. It's essentially a container file that holds the VM's operating system, programs, and data. recover deleted vmdk
VMware have a recycle bin for datastore files. Deletion via vSphere is permanent at the file system level (unless using vSAN with policy-based recovery). If the file is completely missing from the
Always attempt backup restoration before any recovery tool to avoid risking further datastore changes. VMware have a recycle bin for datastore files
If only the descriptor is missing but the -flat.vmdk remains:
This lists recoverable deleted files with timestamps and inode numbers. Use vmkfstools -U to undelete (VMFS5/6 only, limited success). Effectiveness: Moderate. Works best for recently deleted files on low-activity datastores.
Accidental deletion of a VMDK (Virtual Machine Disk) file—whether via the vSphere Client, CLI, or directly on a datastore—is a critical issue. Immediate action is required, as the file may still be recoverable if its data blocks haven't been overwritten. This review evaluates four primary recovery approaches.