find /vmfs/volumes/*/*/*.vmdk -size -10k -exec cp {} /backup/descriptors/ \; Those tiny descriptor files take up kilobytes of space but save hours of panic. Don't confuse a missing map with missing data. If you see a -flat.vmdk file sitting on your datastore, your VM is not dead—it's just sleeping. With vmkfstools and ten minutes of focus, you can bring it back to life.
vmkfstools -x check /path/to/your/orphaned-flat.vmdk If it reports a problem, run: vmdk recovery file
If you’ve ever stared at a failed VM and seen the words “Unable to open disk” or “Metadata file is missing,” you know the feeling. Your stomach drops. find /vmfs/volumes/*/*/*