Is Quiescing Needed on a File Server?

[DrWhy]

We have a Server 2012R2 VM (ESXi6) that is a large file server.  Is it necessary or recommended to use Quiescing when performing backups of a file server?  I'm concerned that if Quiescing is not used we may end up with corrupt data or file system.  What is the worse that can happen if Quiescing is not used for backups of a File Server?

[CoolRam]

I would suggest to read this vSphere 5.5 Documentation Center .

Quiesced snapshots are appropriate for automated or periodic backups. For example, if you are unaware of the virtual machine's activity, but want several recent backups to revert to, you can quiesce the files.

I don't this Quiesced will corrupt or worsen your backup.

[GaneshNetworks]

"Quiescing indicates pausing or altering the state of running processes on a computer, particularly those that might modify information stored on disk during a backup, to guarantee a consistent and usable backup". Refer: VMware KB: Understanding virtual machine snapshots in VMware ESXi and ESX

If quiescing is not used for backups of a file server, Then there would be a data loss, especially which are modified during the backup. If your backup job runs in non-business hours, It's good to enable quiesce to have a consistent backup.

[RichardBush]

‌the way I normally describe this is, that if it isn't checked You are taking a crash consistent backup, similar to someone pulling the power of the server at the time the snap is taken. basicaly you have a risk, even with the freeze and thaw. Quiescing using vss, similar to say windows backup. How ever you will see a pause in the guest when it's taken, so best to be out of hours.

R

[DrWhy]

Thanks for the info everyone.  This is helpful.  Now if only VMware could get their act together and produce a Windows VSS driver that is reliable, that would be great.

- http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/microsite.do?cmd=displayKC&docType=kc&externalId...

- http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalI...

In the meantime, it sounds like we must revert to using the older "Sync Driver", can anyone tell me the pros and cons of using the Sync driver?  I've heard and read that it has it's own share of issues, I'm just looking for some updated info.  As an aside, how is it acceptable that a mature enterprise product has these types of issues?