VHD Recovery Software - Recover Corrupt or Deleted VHD Files

Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) files are integral for storing data within virtual machines in virtualization platforms. However, like any digital file, VHDs can become corrupt or damaged, resulting in data inaccessibility. The silver lining is the availability of several VHD recovery tools that can restore these compromised files. In this piece, we'll shine a spotlight on some of the industry's leading VHD recovery tools.
A standout in this domain is DiskInternals VMFS Recovery. Tailored to retrieve data from corrupted VHDs and other virtual machine file systems like VMFS and VMDK, it's renowned for its intuitive design and sophisticated recovery techniques. This makes it a favored choice for both beginners and experts aiming to salvage VHD data.
Join us as we delve deeper into some premier VHD recovery tools, evaluating their functionalities, cost structures, and ease of use. By journeying through the entirety of this article, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to select the VHD recovery solution that aligns with your requirements. Dive in for a wealth of insights and guidance.

Overview of VHDX/VHD Corruption

VHDX (Virtual Hard Disk v2) and VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) are file formats representing virtual hard disk drives used with virtual machines. These formats are commonly associated with Microsoft's Hyper-V virtualization platform and are essentially containers that store the contents of a virtual machine's hard disk drive.

Corruption in VHDX or VHD files can occur due to various reasons, leading to difficulties in accessing the virtual machines. Here are some common causes and characteristics of VHDX/VHD corruption:

• Improper Shutdowns: If a virtual machine or the host system is not shut down properly, it can lead to corruption of the VHDX or VHD file. This can happen due to power failures, system crashes, or abrupt termination of the virtualization software.
• Hardware Failures: Issues with the underlying hardware, such as bad sectors on the physical hard drive where the VHDX/VHD file is stored, can lead to corruption. This is especially true if the hardware issue affects the parts of the disk where the VHDX/VHD file is located.
• Virus or Malware Attacks: Malicious software can corrupt or modify the contents of VHDX/VHD files, making them inaccessible or unusable.
• Software Bugs or Incompatibilities: Bugs in the virtualization software or compatibility issues between different versions can lead to file corruption. This can occur during operations such as migration, cloning, or conversion of virtual disks.
• Network Issues: If the VHDX/VHD files are stored on network-attached storage or are being accessed over a network, network interruptions or errors can cause file corruption, especially during data transfer operations.
• Human Error: Accidental deletion of critical files related to the virtual machine or incorrect modifications to the VHDX/VHD file structure can result in corruption.
• Fragmentation and Over-provisioning: Excessive fragmentation of the VHDX/VHD file or over-provisioning of storage space can lead to performance issues and potential corruption.

To prevent VHDX/VHD corruption, it's important to maintain a stable and secure computing environment, ensure regular backups, use reliable hardware, and keep virtualization software updated. In case of corruption, specialized recovery tools or techniques may be required to retrieve data from the corrupted VHDX/VHD files.

Where are VHD files stored?

VHD files are stored on the host machine or storage device that is running the virtualization software.

In a typical virtual machine setup, the VHD file is created and stored on the physical hard drive of the host machine or on a network-attached storage (NAS) device. The virtual machine software then maps the VHD file to the virtual machine as a virtual hard disk.

In cloud computing, VHD files are typically stored in a cloud storage service provided by the cloud provider, such as Azure Blob Storage or Amazon S3. The cloud provider's virtualization software then maps the VHD file to the virtual machine running in the cloud.

6 Best VHD Recovery Tools

1. DiskInternals VHD Recovery

DiskInternals VMFS Recovery is a powerful software tool designed to recover data from virtual machines, including VHD files. VHD files, or virtual hard disk files, are used to store data in a virtual environment.

Here are some key features and benefits of DiskInternals VMFS Recovery as a VHD recovery tool:

• VHD Recovery Tool: DiskInternals VMFS Recovery is specifically designed to recover VHD files. The tool can restore VHD files even if they have been corrupted, damaged, or lost due to hardware or software failures.
• Support for Multiple Formats: The software can recover VHD files created with popular virtualization software, such as Hyper-V, VirtualBox, VMware, and others.
• User-Friendly Interface: The software has a simple and easy-to-use interface that allows users to recover VHD files without any technical knowledge.
• Preview Functionality: DiskInternals VMFS Recovery provides a preview function that allows users to view the content of VHD files before recovery. This can help users to identify the files they need to recover and ensure that they are recovering the right files.
• Advanced Scanning Options: The software uses advanced scanning algorithms that can recover data from even the most severely damaged VHD files. Users can choose from several scanning options, including Quick Scan, Full Scan, and Raw Recovery.
• Customizable Recovery: The software allows users to customize their recovery options to suit their needs. Users can choose to recover specific files or folders, and they can also select the location where recovered files will be saved.
• Fast and Efficient: DiskInternals VMFS Recovery is a fast and efficient tool that can recover VHD files quickly, saving users time and effort.

Overall, DiskInternals VMFS Recovery is an excellent virtual disk recovery tool that can help users to recover lost or damaged VHD files with ease. Its user-friendly interface, advanced scanning options, and customizable recovery make it a powerful tool for anyone who needs to recover data from virtual machines.

3. Kernel for VHD Recovery

The software allows users to customize their recovery options to suit their needs. Users can choose to recover specific files or folders, and they can also select the location where recovered files will be saved. Kernel for VHD Recovery is a fast and efficient tool that can recover VHD files quickly, saving users time and effort. While the software offers technical support, the support options are somewhat limited compared to other VHD recovery tools. Like Bitrecover VHD Recovery Wizard, Kernel for VHD Recovery does not offer a free version. Users must purchase a license to use the software. The software does not offer some advanced features found in other VHD recovery tools, such as disk cloning or the ability to repair file system errors.

5. Aryson VHD Recovery

Aryson VHD Recovery offers two recovery modes - Standard and Advanced - to suit different user needs. The Standard mode is ideal for recovering common VHD file errors, while the Advanced mode is designed for more complex recovery scenarios. The software allows users to recover data from VHD files that have been severely corrupted or damaged using RAW recovery. This feature bypasses the file system and directly reads the disk sectors to recover data. While the software offers technical support, the support options are somewhat limited compared to other VHD recovery tools. Aryson VHD Recovery does not offer a free version. Users must purchase a license to use the software.

Comparison of Demo and Full Version of DiskInternals VHD Recovery Software

1. 1. Demo Version (or Trial Version):

   • Purpose:

• Familiarization: Users can familiarize themselves with the software's interface, functionalities, and ease of use without any financial commitment. This helps in reducing the risk of dissatisfaction after purchase.
• Validation of Claims: Many software products make claims about their capabilities. A demo or trial version lets users validate these claims and see if the software actually delivers what it promises.
• Risk Reduction: Instead of buying software blindly, users can test its features and see if it fits their needs. This reduces the risk of investing in a product that might not be suitable.
• Comparison: When users are considering multiple products, trying out demo versions of each can help them make a more informed decision on which one to eventually purchase.

1. 2. Full Version:

   • Purpose:

• Complete Functionality: The full version unlocks all features and functionalities, allowing users to make the most out of the software.
• Long-Term Use: Unlike demo versions that might be limited by time or features, the full version is designed for long-term use, allowing users to integrate the software into their regular workflows or systems.
• Support and Updates: Purchasing the full version usually entitles users to receive updates and patches, ensuring the software remains compatible with other evolving technologies and systems. It also often comes with customer support to assist with any issues or questions.

How to Recover Deleted VHD/VHDX file

Recovering deleted VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) or VHDX (Virtual Hard Disk version 2) files involves several steps and can be achieved using various methods. The approach to recovery largely depends on the circumstances of the deletion and the availability of backups or recovery tools. Here's a general guide on how to recover deleted VHD/VHDX files:

1. Check the Recycle Bin

• First Step: If the deletion was recent and you haven't emptied the Recycle Bin, the VHD/VHDX file might still be there. Check the Recycle Bin and if you find the file, right-click on it and select "Restore".

2. Use File Recovery Software

• Specialized Tools: If the file is not in the Recycle Bin, you'll need to use file recovery software, like DiskInternals VMFS Recovery.
• Scanning Process: Run a deep scan with the recovery software on the drive where the VHD/VHDX file was stored. This process might take some time depending on the size of the drive.
• Recovering the File: Once the scan is complete, look for your VHD/VHDX file in the list of recoverable files. Select it and choose a safe location to save the recovered file (preferably a different drive).

3. Utilize Backups

• Regular Backups: If you have a regular backup system in place (like Windows Backup or a third-party solution), check your backups for a copy of the VHD/VHDX file.
• Restoring from Backup: Follow the specific procedure provided by your backup solution to restore the VHD/VHDX file from the backup.

4. Use Previous Versions (Shadow Copies)

• Windows Shadow Copy: Windows creates shadow copies that can sometimes be used to recover deleted files. Right-click on the folder where the VHD/VHDX file was stored, select "Properties", go to the "Previous Versions" tab, and see if there are any restorable versions available.

5. Contact a Professional

• Data Recovery Services: If the above methods do not yield results and the data is critical, consider contacting a professional data recovery service. These services can sometimes recover data when all other methods fail, but they can be costly.

Tips for Successful Recovery

• Stop Using the Drive: To avoid overwriting the deleted file, stop using the drive where the file was stored immediately after deletion.
• Choose a Different Drive for Recovery: Always recover the file to a different drive to prevent overwriting other lost data.
• Regular Backups: Implement a robust backup strategy to avoid data loss in the future.

Remember, the chances of recovery depend on how quickly you attempt the recovery after deletion and whether the space on the drive where the VHD/VHDX file was stored has been overwritten or not.

Data Recovery Service for VHD Recovery DiskInternals

• Download and install DiskInternals VMFS Recovery on your computer.
• Launch the software and select the drive or disk where the VHD file was stored.
• Click on the "Scan" button to start the scanning process. The software will scan the selected drive or disk for deleted VHD files.
• Once the scan is complete, you can preview the recoverable files by clicking on them.
• Select the deleted VHD file that you want to recover and click on the "Recovery" button.
• Choose a location to save the recovered VHD file and click on "OK".
• Wait for the software to complete the recovery process. This may take some time, depending on the size of the VHD file.

Once the recovery process is complete, you can check the saved location for the recovered VHD file. It is important to note that the recovered file should be saved to a different location than the original VHD file to prevent overwriting the lost data.

When to Use Hyper-V VHD Recovery Software

When dealing with the complexities of virtualized environments, particularly those managed by Microsoft's Hyper-V, it's crucial to have the right tools at your disposal for data recovery and management. DiskInternals VMFS Recovery is one such tool, designed to address a variety of scenarios involving VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) and VMFS (Virtual Machine File System) recovery. Understanding when to employ this specialized software can save time, protect data, and ensure operational continuity. Here are key situations when DiskInternals VMFS Recovery becomes essential:

To Save Disk Image of VHD

DiskInternals VMFS Recovery is invaluable when you need to save or create a disk image of a VHD. This is particularly critical for backup and restoration purposes, allowing for the preservation of data integrity and the prevention of data loss in virtual environments.

Check Items from Damaged VHD

Virtual disks can become damaged or corrupted due to various factors, including system crashes, malware attacks, or hardware failures. DiskInternals VMFS Recovery software is designed to check and retrieve items from these damaged VHD files, ensuring that vital data can be recovered and minimizing downtime.

Restore Virtual Machine Data

For situations where a virtual machine cannot boot due to VHD corruption or damage, DiskInternals VMFS Recovery offers a solution to restore the virtual machine's data. This capability is critical for businesses and IT departments that rely on virtual machines for their operations, as it allows for rapid recovery from potentially catastrophic data loss events.

Prominent Features of DiskInternals VMFS Recovery

DiskInternals VMFS Recovery stands out due to its comprehensive feature set, designed to tackle the most challenging data recovery tasks in virtualized environments:

• Advanced Scanning Algorithms: It employs sophisticated scanning techniques capable of deep scanning and recognizing all types of file systems used in VHDs, including VMFS, FAT, and NTFS, ensuring a high recovery rate.
• Selective File Recovery: This feature allows users to recover only the necessary files or folders, making the recovery process both time-efficient and cost-effective.
• Preview Before Recovery: Users can preview recoverable files before proceeding with the recovery, providing an opportunity to verify the data's integrity and relevance.
• RAID Recovery Support: DiskInternals VMFS Recovery supports RAID recovery, making it a versatile tool for complex storage configurations often found in server environments.
• User-Friendly Interface: Despite its powerful capabilities, the software is designed with a user-friendly interface, making it accessible to professionals and non-specialists alike.

Are VHD files safe?

VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) files are generally safe when used properly. VHD files are commonly used in virtualization environments to store the contents of a virtual machine's hard disk, and they are also used to create disk images for backup and recovery purposes.

However, as with any file format, VHD files can be used to distribute malware or other malicious code. It's always important to be cautious when downloading or opening files from untrusted sources, even if they are in the VHD format.

In addition, VHD files can be vulnerable to data corruption or loss if not properly managed or backed up. It's important to ensure that VHD files are stored on reliable storage media and that proper backup and recovery procedures are in place.

Overall, VHD files are safe to use as long as they are obtained from a trusted source and managed properly to prevent data loss or corruption.

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