Fixing the "Error Opening Virtual Machine VMX File is Corrupt" Issue

Facing the “Error Opening Virtual Machine; VMX file is Corrupt” issue while opening your virtual machine can be quite frustrated and confusing. This article will help to get rid of this issue quickly and easily.

The error usually occurs when the Virtual Machine (VM) is shut down abruptly or improperly. The improper shutdown of the VM causes the VMX file to become corrupted, eventually making it impossible for the VM to start up.

When this error occurs, the VM will not start up. This means that all of the data stored on the VM will also become inaccessible and could be lost if a resolution is not found.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing the Issue

  1. First, you will need to locate the damaged virtual machine file. The file location can be accessed through the log files.
  2. Afterward, you will need to rename the corrupted VMX file. This can be achieved by changing the name of the file to its original name followed by “-old”. For example, if the original file name was “test-vm.vmx”, you can change the name to “test-vm-old.vmx”.
  3. Once you have renamed the VMX file, open the vSphere Client and open the VM.
  4. Once the VM is opened, select the option to “Edit Settings”.
  5. Under the VM Options tab select "General" and then click the radio button for "Workstation 9.X and later".
  6. Click the OK button and you should now be able to start the VM without any errors.

FAQ

Q: What causes this issue to occur?

A: This issue usually occurs when the Virtual Machine (VM) is shut down abruptly or improperly. The improper shutdown of the VM causes the VMX file to become corrupted, eventually making it impossible for the VM to start up.

Q: What data could be lost if a resolution is not found?

A: All of the data stored on the VM will become inaccessible and could be lost if a resolution is not found.

Summary

Facing the “Error Opening Virtual Machine; VMX file is Corrupt” issue while opening your virtual machine can be quite frustrating and confusing. This article has provided a step-by-step guide to help get rid of this issue quickly and easily. It is also important to understand what causes this issue in order to prevent it from recurring in the future.

Sources

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