Vmware Flat File -

: The flat file contains strictly raw data; it has no headers or metadata. All configuration details (like disk geometry or hardware version) are stored separately in the descriptor file . The Descriptor vs. Flat File Relationship

Never try to rename a -flat.vmdk file directly. If you do, the descriptor file (the small .vmdk ) will no longer point to the correct filename, and your VM will fail to power on with an error like "The parent virtual disk has been modified." vmware flat file

Every virtual hard drive assigned to an ESXi virtual machine relies on a two-part ecosystem: : The flat file contains strictly raw data;

When utilizing traditional thick provisioning, the flat file is generated at the exact maximum capacity specified during disk creation. If you provision a 500 GB virtual drive, the flat file occupies exactly 500 GB on the underlying Virtual Machine File System (VMFS) datastore from day one. 2. Raw Sectors Without Filesystem Overhead VMDK file name appended with .flat, breaking VM: how & why? Flat File Relationship Never try to rename a -flat