Tips to open VMDK file
Can't open the VMDK file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open VMDK files as well as a list of programs that support VMDK files.
VMDK file extension
| File Name |
Virtual Machine Disk Format |
| File Developer |
VMware |
| File Category |
Disk Image Files |
The VMDK file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the VMDK files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the VMDK file on each system platform.
What is VMDK file?
The file with the extension VMDK is the Disk Image Files file type. The creator of this file is VMware. Additionally, the Disk Image Files category contains 203 of other files. Virtual Machine Disk Format appears on 3 operating systems as a functional file. Although it can be found with greater or lesser success on any operating system, it will only be useful on Linux, Mac OS, Windows. It is recommended to use VMware Fusion to handle this file. This is a program created by VMware, Inc.. There are also 12 alternative programs to handle the VMDK file. WinImage, WinMount, VMware Workstation, VirtualBox will apply when it is not possible to use VMware Fusion.
How to open VMDK file?
The most common problem when using Virtual Machine Disk Format is that a specific VMDK is not associated with the program. This causes the file VMDK to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the VMDK file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.
Step 1. Install VMware Fusion
In this case, you should first verify that the VMware Fusion application is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name VMware Fusion in it. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below is a list of programs that support the file VMDK.
Programs to open VMDK file
Remember to download programs supporting VMDK files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of VMware Fusion with VMDK files
If, despite the installed application, the VMDK file does not start in the VMware Fusion application, you must create a file association. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the VMDK file with the VMware Fusion program.
Step 3. Update VMware Fusion to the latest version
If, however, after binding VMware Fusion with Virtual Machine Disk Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the VMware, Inc. page and install.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the VMDK file
The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:
The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the VMDK file. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the VMDK file that we want to open. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover VMDK files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the VMDK files changes over time. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing an older version of the program.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged VMDK files. You can restore the file from a backup or use VMware help.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted VMDK files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. Copying the VMDK file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the VMDK file again. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the VMDK file for a certain period of time. If this does not work either, restart the device.
Was this page helpful? YesNo
