dd if=/dev/sdX of=/safe_storage/vmfs_backup.img bs=1M status=progress Why? Because partition table recovery is low-risk, but one wrong command could compound the disaster. Working on an image file allows unlimited trial and error. VMFS volumes have distinct superblock signatures. Modern VMware versions (VMFS3, VMFS5, VMFS6) leave telltale markers.
The actual VMFS volume—with its file allocation tables, directories, and virtual disk files—remains physically intact on the storage device until something overwrites it. The moment you realize the error, to that LUN or disk. Every new write risks destroying the very data you want to save. Step 1: Assessment and Forensic Imaging Before attempting any recovery, create a forensic image of the affected device. Use dd or ddrescue on a Linux host: recover deleted vmfs partition
esxcli storage core adapter rescan --all If the partition reappears but shows as "Not a valid VMFS volume," check the partition ID. ESXi requires the partition type to be 0xFB . Use fdisk -l from the ESXi shell (if you have it enabled) to verify. dd if=/dev/sdX of=/safe_storage/vmfs_backup
But let this be a lesson: in the datacenter, the most dangerous button is the one marked "Delete." Know your tools, test your recovery process, and always, always double-check your target. VMFS volumes have distinct superblock signatures
If the datastore mounts but VMs fail to register, run:
Your heart races. Are the VMs lost forever? Is the backup your only hope?
By [Author Name]