How to restore virtual machines on VMware Workstation using AhsayOBM?

This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of restoring a VMware Workstation virtual machine using AhsayOBM. It covers essential pre-restore checks, recommended best practices for optimal performance, and two common recovery scenarios—restoring to the original location and restoring to an alternate location. By following these steps, you can efficiently recover your virtual machines and minimize downtime.

1. Initial Setup & Pre-Restore Checks
   1. Open AhsayOBM and click Restore.
   2. Select the VMware Workstation backup set you want to restore.
   3. Select the backup destination (use default if only one is available).
      • Best practice: Choose a local destination to speed up recovery.
   4. Check the Temporary Directory settings:
      • Ensure it is NOT set to the C: drive.
      • Ensure it is NOT a network drive.
      • Use a local drive with sufficient space.
      • Configure if needed.
   5. Click Next.
2. Scenario 1: Restore to Original Location
   1. Simulate Data Loss
      1. Open the VM’s original directory and note its location.
      2. In VMware Workstation:
         • Right-click the VM (e.g., Win7-2).
         • Click Remove from Library.
      3. Verify that the VM folder and files are no longer present.
   2. Restore Process
      1. Select “Choose from files as of job” and pick the desired version.
      2. Select the VM and click Next.
      3. Choose Original Location.
      4. Click "Show advanced option" and configure if needed.
      5. (Optional) Disable “Verify checksum of in-file delta files” to speed up restore.
      6. Click Restore.
   3. Post-Restore Validation
      1. Wait for the restore job to complete.
      2. Open the original directory and confirm if files are restored.
      3. Open VMware Workstation:
         • Click File from Menu bar → Scan for Virtual Machines.
         • Browse and select the original location.
         • Click Next → Finish.
      4. Power on the VM to verify successful recovery.
3. Scenario 2: Restore to Alternate Location
   1. Simulate Data Loss
      1. Open the VM’s original directory and note its location.
      2. Remove the VM from VMware Workstation.
      3. Confirm the VM files are deleted from the original location.
      4. Check the alternate location and confirm the VM does not exist there.
   2. Restore Process
      1.  Pick the desired version.
      2. Select the VM and click Next.
      3. Choose Alternate Location.
      4. Click Browse.
      5. Select location type (Local path or UNC path).
      6. Choose the destination folder or enter the path, and click OK.
      7. Click "Show advanced option" and configure if needed.
      8. Click Restore.
   3. Post-Restore Validation
      1. Wait for the restore to complete.
      2. Open the alternate location and confirm files are restored.
      3. Open VMware Workstation:
         • Scan for Virtual Machines.
         • Browse to the alternate location.
         • Select the VM folder and complete the scan.
      4. Power on the VM to verify successful recovery.