Creating a Workstation virtual machine using existing VMDK ...
kb.vmware.com › s › articleSep 24, 2018 · To create the Workstation virtual machine using existing .vmdk file (s): In Workstation, go to File > New > Virtual Machine. Select Custom and click Next. Select the hardware compatibility you require and click Next. In the Guest Operating System Installation selection screen, select I will install the Operating System later and click Next.