Hot! Download Vmdk File From Datastore -

Ensure the source Virtual Machine is Powered Off or the VMDK is detached from the VM. Downloading a "live" VMDK will almost certainly result in a corrupted disk file that is unusable upon restoration.

| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution | |---------|--------------|----------| | "File not found" | Incorrect datastore path | Browse via Datastore browser to confirm exact path | | Permission denied | Insufficient privileges | Use root or account with Datastore file management role | | Timeout / slow transfer | Large file, HTTP limitation | Use OVF Tool or SCP instead of browser download | | Thin disk appears small | Only descriptor downloaded | Download -flat.vmdk or export via OVF Tool | | Corrupted VMDK | Partial download | Re-download using resume-capable tool (OVF Tool) | download vmdk file from datastore

(descriptor + flat):