Open VMDK files

Windows users: access the files stored in the VMware file without VMware and without starting up the OS. Download here.

Unfortunately the program isn't even referenced on the VMware site so you have to do some digging to find out how to use it and where to get it. Get some of the basics, a little more detail, and full documentation (in PDF).

Note that although the utility is based in the command line, it will enable the OS to run the program like a regular disk that you can access as a regular drive through "My Computer."

Update: I found out that the commercial WinMount will also (more easily) open VMDK files as an external drive.

Mac users: if you have VMware Fusion installed, you can open files just like an external drive and without starting up the operating system. Simply ctrl+click and select "Open With" and choose "VMDKMounter". Note that the OS inside must have been shut down, not simply suspended.