In vSphere, what happens if you delete a virtual machine from the inventory but want it back?

When a virtual machine is deleted from the vSphere inventory, the virtual machine's files remain in the datastore unless the option to delete from disk is also selected. If only the inventory reference is removed, the virtual machine can still be re-registered back into the inventory. This is done by locating the virtual machine's configuration file (the .vmx file) in the datastore and using the "Add to Inventory" option in the vSphere client or through the vSphere Web Client.

Choosing to unregister a virtual machine from the datastore is a concept that relates more to removing it from the inventory without losing the actual files, which allows you the flexibility to bring it back when needed. As a result, this option reflects an understanding of how vSphere manages the virtual machines and their files.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture what happens when a VM is deleted from the inventory. A virtual machine can indeed be recovered, depending on how the deletion was performed, and the VM will not automatically return to the inventory without manual action. Therefore, recognizing the ability to unregister and later re-register a VM highlights the operational capabilities of vSphere in managing virtual resources.