Do not read VMware Knowledgebase Article 1002511
VMware Knowledgebase Article 1002511 describes how to create a vmdk descriptorfile if all you have is the flat.vmdk
The procedure it uses is
- taking more time than necessary
- prone to errors
- creates unnecessary extra files which is contra productive
- and makes fixing real problems unneccessarily harder.
Here is just another example how it can affect recovery work - see
VMFS datastore recovery need
If you have the size and name of the flat.vmdk all you need is a sample for a descriptor such as this:
# Disk DescriptorFile
version=1
encoding="UTF-8"
CID=12345678
parentCID=12345678
createType="vmfs"
# Extent description
RW VAR1 VMFS "VAR2"
# The Disk Data Base
#DDB
ddb.adapterType = "lsilogic"
ddb.geometry.cylinders = "VAR3"
ddb.geometry.heads = "255"
ddb.geometry.sectors = "63"
Now edit the 3 variables to
VAR1 = size of flat.vmdk in bytes divided by 512 which gives you the required size in sectors
VAR2 = the name of the flat.vmdk
VAR3 = value of VAR1 divided by 16065 rounded down
If you are not used to work with vi use a Windows admin host, connect with WinSCP and then create a new file with the embedded editor.
Avoid creating new flat.vmdks when ever possible - and especially when when it is contra productivbe !!!!
Please avoid VMware Knowledge Base 1002511
That applies to the text and the video especially in cases where you are unsure - following this KB can make matters worse.
@ VMware: if rewriting this KB is too expensive let me know - I rewrite it for you
Ulli