VMware Workstation Error: “Unable to Open File: ‘…\x.vmdk’

Learn how to fix the VMware Workstation Error Unable to Open File x.vmdk. Our VMware Support team is here to help you with your questions and concerns.

How to Fix the VMware Workstation Error: “Unable to Open File: ‘…\x.vmdk’

Having trouble with the following error?

VMware Workstation Error: “Unable to Open File: ‘…\x.vmdk’: The System Cannot Find the File Specified”

Worry no more! According to our experts, this message indicates that VMware cannot access or recognize the specified `.vmdk` file, even though it exists on the filesystem. This issue can arise from various causes, including file path discrepancies, configuration problems, or VMware’s internal state.

Common Causes

• File moved to a different directory.
• VM cloning process incomplete.
• Incorrect file path during transfer.
• Broken file references during migration.
• Disk File Corruption.
• Interrupted VM file transfer.
• Incomplete copying of the virtual machine.
• Filesystem inconsistencies.
• Snapshot Chain Problems.
• Corrupted snapshot metadata.
• Missing dependent disk files.
• Inconsistent snapshot chain.

Solution 1: Test the Cloned VM

The error might be caused by a corrupted file during the copy or clone process.

1. Test the cloned VM on the source machine to verify its integrity.
2. If the VM runs successfully on the original machine, re-copy the VM files to the destination machine.

Solution 2: Use VMware vCenter Converter Standalone

VMware vCenter Converter Standalone is a free tool for converting physical to virtual (P2V) or virtual to virtual (V2V) machines.

1. Open VMware vCenter Converter Standalone.
2. Browse the `.vmx` file of the VM you want to convert.
3. Choose the destination location.
4. Review and modify VM specifications if necessary.
5. Click Next and then Finish to start the conversion.
6. Once completed, add the converted VM to VMware Workstation on the second machine and run it.

Solution 3: Manual File Transfer

If cloning isn’t an option, manually copy the VM:

1. Use Windows File Explorer to copy the entire VM folder to a removable storage device.
2. Ensure the VM is powered off to prevent `.lck` (lock file) issues.
3. Plug the removable storage into the target computer.
4. Copy the VM files to the desired directory.
5. Now, open VMware Workstation.
6. Then, go to File > Scan for Virtual Machines and select the copied folder.
7. If prompted, click Take Ownership to resolve file locking issues.

In Short..

1. Verify and update file paths in the `.vmx` file.
2. Repair the `.vmdk` file using `vmware-vdiskmanager`:

   vmware-vdiskmanager -R yourfile.vmdk
3. Check file permissions for the `.vmdk` and its parent folder.
4. Reduce the file path length if it exceeds the maximum limit.
5. Ensure descriptor files and split disk segments are in the correct locations.
6. Close all VMware instances or restart the machine to clear file locks.
7. Verify VMware version compatibility and convert the `.vmdk` if required.
8. Run a disk check on the storage drive to fix any filesystem errors:
   

   chkdsk /f