VMDK Data Recovery
VMware Recovery Software
VMware Recovery brings back files from deleted, formatted and corrupt VMDK virtual disks. Open your VMDK file or folder, scan it, preview the data and save it.
- Split, sparse, flat and delta VMDK
- Deleted, formatted and corrupt disks
- Standard and Advanced scan
- Windows desktop edition
- Free DemoTest before you buy
- 30 Day RefundDemo test comes first
- Card or PayPalHosted store checkout
- Fast License KeySent by email
- 24x7 SupportChat and email
1Is this my case?
Which Cases Need VMware Recovery?
Find your case below. RecoveryTools software scans the VMDK file and brings your data back.
- VM Fails to BootYour virtual machine shows a black screen or stops at boot.
- VMDK File Is CorruptYour VMDK file fails to open or load.
- VM Disk Was DeletedYou removed a VMDK file and need its data.
- Partition Was FormattedA partition inside your virtual disk was formatted.
- Boot Sector Is CorruptA corrupt boot sector blocks your virtual disk.
- Partition Shows as RAWYour virtual disk shows a corrupt RAW partition.
Five VMDK Types
Recover data from every common VMDK format.
Preview First
Check files and images before you save.
Folder Loading
Load a folder of VMDK files in one step.
VMware Recovery extracts data from your VMDK file and does not repair the disk file. Save the recovered data to a safe location.
Free demo mode loads a VMDK file and shows a preview. Saving needs the full version.
2What changes?
What Changes After the Recovery?
Before
- Virtual machine that will not boot
- VMDK file that fails to load
- Files lost after deletion
After
- Deleted items marked in red
- Folder hierarchy kept
- Data saved to any location
3What can it do?
Which Features Come With VMware Recovery?
Add the file, set your clues and recover the password from one window.
Five VMDK Types
Open split, sparse, flat, delta and descriptor VMDK files.
Fixed and Dynamic Disks
Recover data from fixed, dynamic and VMFS disks.
Preview Before Saving
Check text files and images before you save.
Folder Loading
Load every VMDK file from a folder in one step.
Two Save Options
Extract data to any location or back to the original partition.
Virtual Machine Search
Search all drives or one drive for VMDK files.
Date and Extension Filters
Filter by extension and by created, modified or accessed date.
CSV Recovery Report
Save a recovery report as a CSV file.
Selective Export
Select folders and files with check boxes and keep the hierarchy.
4Is it easy?
How to Recover a VMDK Password in 4 Steps
Test the recovery on a small file in the free demo. Buy the license when you want every character.
- 1Download
Install the Demo
Download the installer and install it on your Windows computer.
- 2Open
Open the VMDK File
Click Open and select your VMDK file or a folder of files.
- 3Scan
Click Scan
Click Scan and choose Standard Scan or Advanced Scan.
- 4Save
Preview and Save
Check the data, then save it to the location you want.
Screenshots of every step sit in the VMware Recovery guide.
5What will I see?
Which Screens Does the Software Show?
Follow the path from the mode options to the recovered password.

Open Your VMDK File
Click Open and select the VMDK file or folder.

Preview the Data
Check partitions and deleted items in the tree.

Save the Data
Save all data or only the deleted data.
6Demo or full?
Free Demo vs Full Version
See where the free demo stops and what a license adds.
| Feature | Free Demo | Full Version |
|---|---|---|
| Open VMDK files and folders | Yes | Yes |
| Standard and Advanced scan | Yes | Yes |
| Preview of recovered data | Yes | Yes |
| Save recovered data | No | Yes |
| Price | Free | From $99 |
7Will it fit my system?
System Requirements for VMware Recovery
| Product Version | 11.0 for Windows |
|---|---|
| Download Size | 24.5 MB |
| Product Type | Desktop software that recovers data from VMDK files |
| Input Files | Split, sparse, flat, delta and descriptor VMDK files |
| VMware Products | Workstation, Server, vSphere, ESXi, vSAN and Fusion |
| Disk Types | Fixed and dynamic disks with MBR and GPT partitions |
| File Systems | FAT16, FAT32, exFAT and NTFS |
| Windows | Windows 11 in 64 bit, Windows 10, 8 and 7 in 32 and 64 bit, plus Windows Server 2019, 2016, 2012 R2 and 2008 |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo E4600 or better |
| RAM and Disk Space | 4 GB RAM recommended with 100 MB of free disk space |
| Pre Requisite | Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 or later |
| Demo Limit | Shows a preview and does not save data |
8What is the price?
How Much Does VMware Recovery Cost?
Choose the license by the number of computers. Prices are in US dollars.
1 Computer
$99
- Home and private use
- 1 year of free updates
- Unlimited 24x7 support
Up to 100 Computers
$199
- One location in one country
- 1 year of free updates
- Unlimited 24x7 support
Up to 500 Computers
$599
- Offices in many places
- 1 year of free updates
- Unlimited 24x7 support
See more savings on the RecoveryTools offers page.
9Is it safe?
Can You Trust the Software With Your Virtual Machines?
See Results First
Test the free demo on a VMDK file and check the preview before you pay.
In Business Since 2007
RecoveryTools stands on a company that began in 2007 and now helps users in over 100 countries. Find more about RecoveryTools.
ISO Certified
Standards ISO 9001:2015 for quality and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 for information security back the company. See the awards and certifications page.
Terms in Plain Sight
Refund, privacy and usage terms are public before you pay. See the refund policy, privacy policy and terms of use.
10Need a hand?
Where to Get Help With Your VMware Recovery
Support engineers answer questions before and after you buy. Visit the RecoveryTools support center for phone numbers and more ways to get help.
Live Chat
Talk to an expert on live chat at any hour.
Email Support
Email support@systoolsgroup.com with your VMDK details and the problem you see.
Remote Session
An expert connects to your computer and solves a hard case for you.
Step by Step Guide
Follow the user guide for the open, scan and save screens.
11Still have a question?
Questions About Recovering VMDK Data
Can the software recover data from a VMDK file?
Yes. Open the VMDK file, scan it, preview the data and save what you need.
Which VMDK types work?
Split, sparse, flat, delta and descriptor files work on both disk types.
Which VMware products create files that work?
Files from Workstation, Server, vSphere, ESXi, vSAN and Fusion work.
Does the software repair a corrupt VMDK file?
No. Software recovers data and does not repair the VMDK file.
Can I recover many VMDK files at once?
Yes. Browse to a folder and every VMDK file in it loads.
Can I recover data from a VM that will not boot?
Yes. Software restores files when your virtual machine fails to boot or shows a black screen.
What do the two save options do?
Extract Data saves files to any location. Extract as Original returns them to the original partition.
Can the software find virtual machines on my computer?
Yes. Search all drives or one drive for virtual machines.
Which file systems work?
FAT16, FAT32, exFAT and NTFS work on MBR and GPT partitions.
Does the software keep my folder structure?
Yes. Folder hierarchy stays in place.
What does the free demo do?
Free demo mode loads the VMDK file and previews its data. Saving needs the full version.
Is there a Mac edition?
No. Software works on Windows only.
Which Windows versions work?
Windows 11, 10, 8 and 7 plus Windows Server 2019, 2016, 2012 R2 and 2008 work. Open the software with administrator rights and install Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 or later first.
What is the system requirement for the software?
Plan for 100 MB of free disk space and 4 GB RAM.
How much does the software cost?
Personal costs $99 for 1 computer. Business costs $199 for up to 100 computers. Enterprise costs $599 for up to 500 computers.
Can I get a refund?
Yes. Refund requests are accepted for 30 days under the RecoveryTools refund policy. Software bought without a demo evaluation does not qualify. Email a signed Letter of Destruction to sales@recovery-tools.org. Bundle purchases cannot be refunded.
12Where next?
Related RecoveryTools Software
Recover Your VMDK Data With the Free Demo
Download the free demo, check what it finds inside your virtual disk and buy the license when you want the data.