Have you ever encountered an error message that reads "Not a virtual disk. The file specified is not a virtual disk. The disk management tools available on Windows 10 can not open this disk."? This can happen when you try to mount a VHD or a VHDX file and can be quite unsettling to the user. But don’t worry, it can be fixed.
In this guide, we will take a look at the various factors that could lead to this error and provide a step-by-step guide to resolving the file specified issue.
What Causes the Virtual Disk Error?
The "not a virtual disk" error can be a result of multiple different issues. Here are a few common reasons:
- The disk image file that is being used is corrupt and can't be opened.
- The disk image file may be of a wrong format that is not compatible with your version of Windows.
- The file may have been damaged due to a power loss or due to some physical damage.
- The disk may have been formatted in a way that is not compatible with your system.
If any one of the above causes is present, there is a high chance that you will get the error message.
How to Resolve The File Specified Issue
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to resolve the file specified issue and successfully open your virtual disk.
Step 1: Check the Disk Format
The first step to resolving the issue is to make sure that the format of the disk is compatible with the system. This can be verified by accessing the Disk Management window.
To access the window, press the Windows+R keys and type diskmgmt.msc in the Run box. After opening the Disk Management window, find the disk that you are trying to open and check its partition type from the list.
Your system should support one of the three partitions types: MBR, GPT, or Dynamic. Make sure that the format of the disk is compatible with your system.
Step 2: Repair the Virtual Disk
If the disk format is already compatible with your system, the next step would be to repair it. The easiest way to do this would be to use a reliable disk repair utility like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.
This data recovery software can quickly scan your hard drive and any connected devices to identify the issue. It can then automatically fix any errors that it finds.
If you want to use the tool, download and install it on your system. Then, follow the given steps:
- Launch the software, select the disk you wish to repair, and click the ‘Scan’ button.
- When the scanning process completes, you'll get a list of all the recoverable files and folders in the ‘Files’ pane.
- Select the files you want to repair and click the ‘Recover’ button.
Your virtual disk should now be repaired and working as normal. You can then try mounting the disk and accessing it.
FAQ
Q1: What is a VHD file?
A VHD (or Virtual Hard Disk) is a virtual disk image file stored on a physical hard drive. It acts like a regular hard disk, but it can be used to store the data and files from multiple virtual machines.
Q2: How do I fix "Not a Virtual Disk" error?
The "Not a Virtual Disk" error can be resolved by checking the disk format and making sure it is compatible with the system. Then, use a reliable disk repair tool like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to repair any existing errors.
Q3: Can I manually repair a VHD file?
Yes, you can manually repair the VHD file by using the Disk Management window. To open the window, press the Windows+R keys and type diskmgmt.msc in the Run box. From here, you can locate the disk and format it, should the need arise.
Q4: What is the difference between VHD and VHDX files?
The main difference between VHD and VHDX files is their file formats. VHD files use the older format, while VHDX files are newer and use a different structure and features. VHDX files are also much larger than VHD files, allowing them to store more data.
Q5: Is there any way to prevent the "Not a Virtual Disk" error?
Yes, you can prevent the "Not a Virtual Disk" error by making sure your disk image is not corrupt. The best way to do this is to make regular backups and store them in a safe place. If the file ever becomes corrupt or damaged, you can restore it to your system without having to encounter any errors.