VMware File Types

Below are some common file types found within a VMware environment.

.nvram

BIOS for the virtual machine; an example would be the number of hard drives present.

.vmdk

Actual virtual hard drives for the virtual guest operating system.

.xmsd

Stores information about snapshots.

.vmsn

Stores the exact state of the virtual machine when a snapshot is taken.

.vmx

Primary configuration file for the virtual machine.

.vmxf

XML file that contains additional information if the virtual machine has been added to a team.

.vmtm

Contains team membership information if the virtual machine is participating in a team.

.vmem

Backup of the virtual machine’s page file.

.vmss

Suspended state file, if a virtual machine is suspended.

.vswp

VMkernel swap file; by default, it will equal the size of RAM configured within the VM.

.vmtx

Template file