Hello,
How can I create a backup from ESXi host with its VMs?
Thank you.
hack3rcon,
There are many different solutions to choose from. You can probably start here:
TOP 5 Backup Software for VMware Infrastructure
Lars
Most of the solutions for backup generation from ESXi host and virtual machine are separated from each other:
The best and easier way to generate a backup from ESXi host is vSphere Host Profile
But if you want to create VM backup there is many good solutions like VEEAM & Nakivo
Thank you, but I meant was a solution for create backup from the whole physical server.
For example, I want to format the server and when I restore the backup then the hypervisor and all VMs restored.
That is possible of course - nobody does it like that more than once - but its possible.
Assume you have ESXi and a single datastore on lets say a 4TB sata-disk.
Then power down all VMs. Power off ESXi.
Boot the host into Linux and create a full diskimage with ddrescue.
Dont use "smart" backup or fast imaging tools like ghost - that would probably fail.
A complete diskimage with ddrescue should do the job.
Does that make sense ? - it does make sense if you are a cop and need the image for further investigation.
For all other purposes it is far more useful to backup each single VM and setup a fresh ESXi and then either import a state.tgz from the old system as it is now or just redo the configuration manually.
Guessing from your nicname you may also regard it as a nice challenge - then dont let us stop you - go for ddrescue ...