VMware: what is a clone and how to recover its data
Here you will find out:
- what is VMware clone
- when you create a VMware clone
- when DiskInternals can help you
Are you ready? Let's read!
What is a VMware clone?
It is clear that we are talking about copying VMs, and it can be in two versions: Full Clone and Linked Clone.
Both clones are good but enormously different from each other.
So, a clone of the full type is an independent VM.
After its creation, the connection with the original parent version of the VM is completely lost.
As for the associated clone, the virtual disk of the parent and the clone is one for two, which makes sense, since it saves disk space and does not require additional software.
Here, you can experiment a lot at your discretion; for example, configure the software in the parent version of a certain type, and then make a couple of clones and not waste time setting up the software in each version of the clone.
When you create a VMware clone?
First of all, creating VMware to clone a VM saves you time, since the time to install software is significantly reduced.
Cloning is often used in large and medium-sized companies, where the same VM is assumed for each employee.
It is also convenient for teachers; teachers distribute VM clones to all students with the same tasks, articles, applications, and more.
With the help of clones, you can conveniently make full copies of the virtual machine without looking at the host file system. At the same time, without worrying that you have found all the configuration files.
How to restore deleted VMware VMDK files?
Since the clone cannot restore the virtual machine, VMFS Recovery can, because it is designed to quickly and correctly read the VMware VMFS file system. The application returns any files from damaged - and not only - disks in VMFS format, even remotely in online mode. Recovery of VMDK files in ESX/ESXi Servers and VMware vSphere is also available.
The software has a unique Recovery Wizard, and it will ensure uninterrupted operation and a fast, extremely positive result. The program also offers a preview of any found document in free form, followed by automatic recovery without your participation. The recovered information is exported to local or remote locations, including FTP, and virtual disks can be used as local disks available in Windows Explorer, etc.
This wonderful application supports multi-level folders, as well as Unicode file names.
Follow the step-by-step instructions for DiskInternals VMFS Recovery:
- 1. Run an SSH connection if there is a need.
- 2. Download the application. After installing it on a Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10, or Windows Server computer from 2003 to 2019, run the recovery wizard (this usually happens automatically).
- 3. Open the remote or local disk with the recovery wizard. The disk, which will be subject to full or fast scanning (this, by the way, is also your choice, but the priority is full scanning since the results will be much better).
- 4. After you’ve found VMDK files - mount them and open. Check the integrity of the files.
Now is the time to click on the buy license button; after that, you will receive a unique key with access to export data. Complete this process and enjoy the recovered data.