How can I convert a VMWare image to dd?

I haven't looked, but you might find something useful under www.dfrws.org

One way is to open image.dd in your favorite hex editor and scan for headers of interest. Once you find one, determine the probable end and carve the start to end sectors to a file with the hex editor.

Isn't there a more easier and automated way? I would think the sleuthkit or some other free software would be able to do it.

Sure…scalpel or foremost. Or both.

Foremost works great. I had problems with Scalpel but I'll see if I can get that working later. Thank you!