Recovering files from a virtual machine after accidental deletion can be challenging, but there are a few manual methods that might help. One common approach is restoring the deleted files from a snapshot or backup if one was created before the deletion. Many virtual environments, such as VMware and Hyper-V, allow users to create snapshots that capture the system state at a specific point in time. Restoring from a snapshot can revert the virtual machine to an earlier state, recovering the lost files. However, this method comes with limitations. If a recent snapshot is unavailable, the lost data cannot be recovered. Additionally, restoring a snapshot resets the entire virtual machine, which could lead to loss of any new data created after the snapshot was taken.

Another manual approach is checking the recycle bin within the guest OS. If the files were deleted from the virtual machine’s operating system, they might still be in the recycle bin or trash folder. However, if the files were permanently deleted or removed from an external virtual disk, this method will not work.

Using a VMware Data Recovery tool offers a more reliable and efficient solution to recover deleted files from a virtual machine. This specialized tool is designed to scan virtual disk files (VMDK, VHD, and VDI formats) and recover lost or deleted data without affecting the rest of the system. Unlike manual methods, it does not require snapshots or backups, making it useful even if no previous restore point exists. It can also retrieve files lost due to accidental deletion, formatting, or corruption. The tool provides a preview option, allowing users to verify recovered data before restoring it. With its advanced recovery algorithms, the VMware Data Recovery tool ensures a quick and secure recovery process, minimizing downtime and preventing data loss in critical virtual environments.