Updating a OVF Export File used as VM Backup

[jwelstead]

I have a question regarding updating a OVF Export file.

I am using a licensed Vsphere essentials kit Version 6.5.0,

I have backed up VMs using export OVA template.

If I wish to update my backed up OVF's can I snapshot the running machine and just copy the base vmdk file from the datastore to

my backups OVF directory in order to "Refresh" the backup?

Thanks in advance for any advice

[LucianoPatrão]

Hi,

First a snapshot is never a backup of a VM. Is just a state and should never be used as backup.

Secondly, you clone, backup, or copy VMs with snapshot(particularly a OVA or OVF file). The source will never have a snapshots in it, all disks will be consolidated.

Third, you can just do the changes in the source VM, and then export to a OVF and you have an updated file.

Hope this can help.

[jwelstead]

Am I correct in my understanding that when I snapshot the running source VM that the Base vmdk file is frozen

My question was can I then copy that base vmdk file without the deltas and update my OVF directory created previously.

I am trying to update my backup copy without shutting down the source VM

sorry If my question was not clear.

[LucianoPatrão · Accepted solution]

Hi,

You can use a tool to update the OVF file(adding or removing files unpack the OVF file) and copy that vmdk file to it, but when you try to apply that OVF will not work. Since that vmdk is not consolidated.

[jwelstead]

Thanks for the explanation