Best Programs to Convert HDD to VMDK
This page lists 2 programs you can use to convert a HDD file to VMDK. The best options for converting HDD files with top quality are VirtualBox, VMware vCenter Converter Standalone. Once the file is converted to VMDK format, you can open and edit it with compatible software.
What is file format conversion?
File format conversion is the process of changing a file from one format to another to ensure compatibility with software, systems, or devices, while keeping the structural content of the file intact.
File format conversion becomes necessary when the desired software or device cannot work with the original HDD file format. This allows users to use HDD files in various formats, ensuring compatibility and the ability to share information across different platforms.
Specially developed programs and online tools are created to handle file format conversion effectively. These tools usually provide a user-friendly interface where users can select the input HDD file, choose the output VMDK format, and start the conversion.
How to convert the HDD file to VMDK?
After installing the converter on your computer, you can now start the process of converting the HDD file to the VMDK format. The conversion process is usually straightforward and follows a similar pattern. Here are some steps to follow when changing the HDD file format:
- Find the original HDD file on your computer that you want to convert;
- Launch VirtualBox or any other converter app on your device;
- Transfer the HDD file to the converter for conversion;
- Choose VMDK as the output format of choice for the conversion;
- Set the save location on your drive for the converted VMDK file;
- Go ahead with the conversion confirmation and wait patiently for the process to finish.
After the conversion is complete, you can find the resulting VMDK file in the location you specified in step 5.
About the formats
| Extension | HDD |
|---|---|
| File Type | Parallels Desktop Hard Disk Format |
| Category | Virtual Machine Files |
| Developed by | Parallels Holdings |
| Format | Binary |
| MIME types | - |
| HEX code | - |
| ASCII code | - |
| Extension | VMDK |
|---|---|
| File Type | Virtual Machine Disk Format |
| Category | Virtual Machine Files |
| Developed by | VMware |
| Format | |
| MIME types | - |
| HEX code | 23 20 44 69 73 6B 20 44 65 73 63 72 69 70 74 6F 72 |
| ASCII code | # Disk DescriptorFile |
Solve problems with HDD files
If you’re having trouble opening HDD files, we can suggest several widely accepted remedies:
- First, request that the original HDD file be resent to you, as it may have been damaged during the transfer;
- Try downloading a more compatible version of the file for your platform from the Internet;
- It is often the case that the file you require has been converted to a VMDK and made available online for you to find.





