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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 Storage vMotion: what do you need to know

Here you will find out:

  • what is vMotion storage
  • what are VMware storage benefits and limitations
  • when DiskInternals can help you

Are you ready? Let's read!

What is storage vMotion?

Moving virtual machine files between storage devices without the use of ESX/ESXi servers is known as VMware Storage vMotion. The host where the VM is executing has to have simultaneous access to the two storage systems where the VM files are moved. Storage DRS, a novel disk load balancing method, is made possible by Storage vMotion. Migration of VMs using snapshots of related clones is now possible with newer versions of Storage vMotion.

Storage vMotion has never been free; you need to pay a certain amount to purchase a license.

How Storage vMotion works

As noted above, using VMware Storage vMotion involves the online transfer of virtual machine files between disk arrays. The technology is managed by VMWare vCenter; shared storage is universal and works with any OS or device. This advantage provides many opportunities for administrators. Copying virtual machine files is done in one step, in the process of mirroring I/O operations.

With the help of Storage vMotion, a wide variety of functions can be performed: removal/decommissioning of storage spaces, tearing, moving VMs when there is a need for maintenance, and so on.

VMware vMotion storage benefits and limitations

Let's start with the most important limitation: this is the cost of certain versions of VMWare vCenter. Again, it all depends on your preferences: the more features and capabilities you want, the more you need to pay, and vice versa.

As for the requirements, here they are:

  • The main mechanism for copying a disk is Changed Block Tracking (here you can monitor data migration and additional copying if necessary).
  • If VMware Tools is downloaded and installed, migration is not available.
  • Be sure to keep in mind when migrating a VMFS version that each version has its own limitations.
  • A license for the ESXi host is required.
  • The main host under the VM must have access to all arrays.

Perform deleted .vmdk recovery from a VMware VM

Accidentally deleted or damaged VMDK files can be recovered using DiskInternals VMFS Recovery. This application professionally recovers VMware data restores VMFS file systems and reads and restores VMDK files. In addition, it can return .vmdk files to VMware vSphere and ESX/ESXi Servers. All recovered data (folders, files) are exported to local or remote locations (including FTP). Using the Recovery Wizard can assist you throughout the process.

Use this guide for DiskInternals VMFS Recovery, and there will not be any misunderstanding.

Download and install DiskInternals VMFS Recovery.

Next, the Recovery Wizard will help you start the recovery.

If necessary, first connect via SSH, then open the disk (it can be a local disk or SSH).

After the scan process, find the necessary .vmdk files and then mount the .vmdk file.

Then simply double-click the left mouse button to open this VMDK file.

Next, using the Preview function, examine the files to check their integrity.

The last step is to obtain a data export license, which is available on the DiskInternals website.

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