VMFS Recovery™
Recover data from damaged or formatted VMFS disks or VMDK files
Recover data from damaged or formatted VMFS disks or VMDK files
Last updated: Aug 01, 2023

VMware Infrastructure Components

Here you will find out:

  • what is VMware infrastructure
  • what are the main VMware infrastructure components
  • how DiskInternals can help you

Are you ready? Let's read!

What is VMware infrastructure?

VMware infrastructure

Here are the basic components of VMware that you should know about:

1. ESX Server host is the lowest level of virtualization for physical servers.

Using it, the processor, storage, network, etc. are abstracted on the VM.


Over time, several versions of the ESX Server host have been introduced, which are usually purchased separately from the physical hardware.


2. VirtualCenter Server (tracking VM-associated images) is the so-called virtual IT environment management console, where all the main settings are located.


3. VMware Infrastructure Client is an application that remotely provides communication between a client and user applications.


4. VMware Web Access provides access to virtual machines, including remote console.


The license server prepares servers for granting application licenses. Here, the user can select the desired function and purchase it with a license. For example:

  • VMware HA (High Availability): the feature that increases productivity for the VM and for the utilities used.
  • VMware VMotion: enables the migration of VMs between servers instantaneously. This process takes place without delays or downtime.
  • VMware Virtual Symmetric Multi-Processing (SMP): enables the VM to work with multiple servers at once.
  • VMware Distributed Resource Scheduler (DRS): provides automatic allocation of resources and power between VMs.
  • Consolidated backup: a centralized means of direct backup of VMs.
  • VMware Infrastructure SDK: an option that makes it possible to have a standard interface for VMware.

VMware has its own operating system called VMkernel, which is the basis of the system and manages most of the fundamental processes (distribution of information in the repository, network controllers, processor, etc.). This OS has its own unique cluster file system called VMFS. Here you can use huge files, swap files and more.

But, when this file system gets damaged, the question arises: how to deal with files that become inaccessible? There is a solution here and it is described below!

Why you need VMFS Recovery

If you need to recover VMware® data, restore VMFS disks, or read or restore VMDK files, first use VMFS Recovery. This application is professional-grade and produces the highest quality results. Leading experts have been trusting this utility for over 15 years. This application can recover information not only from serviceable disks in VMFS format, but also from hopelessly damaged ones. It also supports Unicode file names and multi-level folders.

Please read the instructions before using DiskInternals VMFS Recovery.

First download the application with one click and then install it on your computer.

Connect via SSH, if necessary.

Next, open the local disk (or remote disk by SSH connection).

After scanning, find the files you need.

Next comes mounting the VMDK file, after which open it with the left mouse button.

In a new window, browse files to check their integrity. It's free.

The last step is to export the recovered files. This will require the purchase of a license directly from the product website. Export the selected files to a storage medium that is convenient for you.

Related articles

FREE DOWNLOADVer 4.20, WinBUY NOWFrom $699

Please rate this article.
4.723 reviews