The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Start by identifying what was deleted: a VM from inventory, its files from a datastore, or the datastore itself. If VM or VMDK files were deleted, restore from a verified backup first. If no backup is available, ask your storage administrator whether a snapshot or clone from before the deletion exists. VMFS has no normal file-level undelete feature, and recovery becomes less likely if the relevant metadata or data blocks have been overwritten.
First, identify what was deleted
In vSphere, Remove from Inventory and Delete from Disk are different actions. Removing a VM from inventory removes its registration, not its datastore files. Deleting it from disk removes files; manually deleting a VMDK has the same essential recovery problem.
Also determine whether the datastore itself was deleted or recreated on the same storage. That is a higher-risk event because creating a new filesystem can overwrite metadata and pointers needed to locate the old files.
- Check the vSphere task history to establish which action was taken.
- For a VM that disappeared from inventory, look for its files in the datastore and, if present, register its
.vmxfile again. - If files are missing, ask the administrator to review relevant logs. In a vSAN support case, Broadcom describes checking the VM directory in Datastore Browser and looking for a
vim.FileManager.deleteoperation in vpxd logs; this is a diagnostic example, not a universal log procedure.
Choose a recovery route
| What happened | First recovery route | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| VM removed from inventory; files remain | Locate and register the VM’s .vmx file. |
This is not file recovery if the files were never deleted. |
| VM or VMDK deleted from a VMFS datastore | Restore from a verified backup; otherwise check for a pre-deletion array snapshot or clone. | VMFS does not provide file-level undelete. |
| VMFS datastore deleted or recreated | Stop writes to the affected storage; check for a pre-deletion array snapshot or clone and restore backups to a suitable datastore. | New filesystem metadata may have overwritten the old metadata and pointers. |
| Relevant metadata overwritten, data blocks possibly intact | Consult a specialist recovery provider. | Reconstruction may be possible, but is not guaranteed or a standard VMware-supported undelete workflow. |
Restore deleted VM or VMDK files
Restore from a verified backup
Use the backup system’s restore workflow and select a recovery point that predates the deletion. Confirm the backup is readable and that the destination is an appropriate datastore before restoring. Broadcom’s guidance for a deleted VM points to backup restoration; its advice for a manually deleted VMDK on vSAN likewise directs administrators to a verified backup. Recovery behavior depends on the backup product, datastore type, and any encryption configuration.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Recover from a pre-deletion storage snapshot or clone
If the storage array has a snapshot from before deletion, ask the storage administrator to create a clone and present it as a separate temporary LUN. Do not restore the snapshot directly over the production LUN. Broadcom documents the following flow for vSphere 8.x; array procedures and steps for other datastore types may differ:
- Have the storage administrator clone the pre-deletion snapshot and present the clone separately from production.
- Mount the temporary LUN in vSphere with a new signature, as appropriate for the environment.
- Find the VM’s
.vmxfile on the temporary datastore and register the VM. - Migrate the recovered VM’s files to production with Storage vMotion.
- After confirming the migrated VM works, detach and remove the temporary clone according to the storage administrator’s procedure.
The documented snapshot is crash-consistent, so the recovered VM reflects its state at the snapshot’s point in time—not necessarily its state immediately before deletion. Check the snapshot date against the required recovery point.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
If the datastore itself was deleted or recreated
Stop further I/O to the affected storage and do not create another filesystem, run formatting or repair operations, or try generic undelete utilities on the original storage while recovery options are being assessed. Broadcom warns that deleting a VMFS datastore is destructive and that creating a new volume on the same storage can overwrite the old filesystem metadata and pointers. It describes software-based partition recovery as generally ineffective after the new volume has been formatted.
Ask the storage administrator or array vendor whether a pre-deletion snapshot or clone is available. If not, identify backups and restore the VMs to a suitable datastore. The affected LUN’s write history and whether it was reformatted matter when assessing any other recovery option.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
When specialist recovery may help
VMFS metadata identifies which blocks belong to a file. Broadcom says a specialist may be able to reconstruct access when the relevant metadata has been overwritten but the file’s data blocks remain. That is a possibility, not a promise: if the data blocks themselves have been overwritten, reconstructing the file may not be possible. VMFS is explicit on the core limitation: “VMFS does not support file-level undelete operations.”
Before authorizing work, tell the provider what was deleted, the datastore type and version, whether the datastore was recreated, and whether the LUN has received writes since the incident. The available official guidance does not establish a recovery success rate, cost, or a particular provider.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What to prepare before restoring
- Whether the target is an individual VMDK, an entire VM, or datastore metadata.
- Datastore type—VMFS, vSAN, or another type—and the relevant vSphere/ESXi version.
- Available backup recovery points and their dates.
- Whether an array snapshot or clone predates deletion.
- Whether the source storage has received writes or been reformatted since deletion.
- The acceptable recovery point and downtime, so the recovery method and destination can be chosen accordingly.
The Broadcom snapshot procedure described above is specifically for vSphere 8.x. Other cited guidance covers different versions and scenarios, including ESXi 7.x and later; confirm the steps for the actual datastore and platform rather than applying one procedure to every environment.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Sources
- Broadcom: Recovery options for a virtual machine accidentally deleted from disk from vSphere UI
- Broadcom: Can a vm with thin disks read contents of a deleted vm in a datastore
- Broadcom: Can a VM or vmdk be recovered when VMFS metadata is overwritten?
- Broadcom: Irrecoverable data loss after deleting a VMFS datastore and creating a new volume
- Broadcom: Deletion of file or directory [DATASTORE_NAME] VM_NAME from DATASTORE_NAME
- VMware: vSAN FAQs
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
