Pro tip: VMFS6 partitions have a different backup superblock location. If Quick Search fails, run [Deeper Search] . This may take hours but often finds secondary copies of the partition table. If automated tools fail—perhaps the partition table is corrupt, not just deleted—you may need manual recovery. This requires understanding VMFS layout.
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. recover deleted vmfs partition
Have a VMFS recovery war story? Share it in the comments below. Pro tip: VMFS6 partitions have a different backup
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: If automated tools fail—perhaps the partition table is