Just like a physical hard drive, a VHD file is also exposed to the risk of corruption, virus attack or accidental deletion. The result is data loss, which fortunately is sometimes reversible. Find out here how to recover data from corrupted virtual disks.
What is a virtual hard drive?
The Virtual Hard Drive (VHD) works like a physical hard drive, but with a few specific features. Installed and accessible on a virtual machine, it is a kind of drive that can run an application, an operating system and create folders. It is equipped with mass storage that has the particularity of being not only large, but also non-volatile. Saved data is therefore retained even when the computer is switched off. It is built within a physical hard drive, but it has a separate logical component.
On a virtual machine, it is possible to create several independent sectors, each running a virtual disk without interference in their operation. As for their size, it can be fixed or flexible. It is controllable via the operating system or the virtualization management operator.
What is a virtual hard drive used for?
All operating systems, whether Windows, Linux or Mac OS, allow the creation of a virtual hard drive. Like any file system drive, it allows the installation, copying, partitioning… of written or media content. Aside from its nature, the only difference lies in the fact that the elements it contains appear in VHD format on the physical hard drive.
The data on a virtual hard drive is therefore not very different from that of other media. It is not accessible on a physical device, and thus offers the advantages provided by any online content. So, barring a technical failure, data loss is rare. Files can therefore be stored with complete security. Also, for more advanced versions, there is a possibility of data synchronization and sharing between several computers. These, however, come at a cost. Finally, the virtual hard drive is fairly easy to use. In view of all this, it appears to be a practical, secure way of storing files while guaranteeing a certain level of confidentiality.
Corrupted virtual hard drive: what could be the causes?
A virtual disk can be corrupted by several factors. These may be linked to programs running on your device or to a technical failure. The most common reasons are:
- The virtual machine being shut down while the VHD was performing input or output operations;
- Your computer’s hard drive is corrupted
- The virtual machine’s file system is corrupted
- A power outage
- A malicious program running on your computer
Data corruption is not, however, the only cause of data loss. This can indeed result from:
- Damaged disks;
- Deletion of files on the virtual machine;
- Deletion of the host and the virtual machine;
- Deletion of disk partitions.
Is it possible to recover data from a corrupted virtual disk?
Data loss on a corrupted virtual disk is reversible. There are indeed enough solutions available to retrieve files, whatever the cause of their disappearance or corruption. Depending on the severity of the problem, simple tricks that can be reproduced at home or, on the contrary, more effective means can be used. As regards the second option, this involves the use of data recovery software. There are several on the market, each with its own indications. The type of operating system involved is, for example, a criterion for choosing the one best suited to the situation.
To be sure your computer receives the appropriate treatment, you would be well advised to entrust it to a data recovery expert. The latter operates either online or after you have sent in your machine.
How to recover files from a corrupted virtual disk?
When you notice that your virtual disk is corrupted, the following recommendations will help increase your chances of recovering your files. First, avoid installing recovery software on the storage medium in question. This can indeed permanently compromise the data available in the free space and thus cause it to be lost irreversibly. It is also advisable to take the volume offline and unmount it. If you feel capable of solving the problem yourself, never forget to work with a backup copy of your data. Finally, keep in mind that resetting a volume deletes its data and thus complicates any subsequent recovery attempts.
Once these steps have been taken, you can boot from the virtual machine’s installation media and run the recovery console. Run the chkdsk command or repair the installation. In some cases, this method resolves the problem. If not, try restoring backup copies of the data in a clean environment. If the problem persists, resorting to external resources to resolve the corruption of your virtual disk then becomes necessary.
There are two types of file systems on VMs (Virtual Machines). One is located in the virtual machine itself and the other in the virtual disk. Depending on which system is corrupted, there are programs on the market that can retrieve all the data. Partition Recovery, for example, is a program for restoring all types and formats of files. Whatever the cause of the data loss, it guarantees a 95% file recovery rate.In any case, it is much more advisable to submit your problem to an expert. The latter will provide you with a tailor-made service that includes diagnosis, handling and the provision of advice to prevent this from happening again. With this provider, you are sure to come away satisfied. So don’t hesitate to contact a professional.