How to backup ESXi on USB stick?

[xcom1000]

I have some servers running ESXi 4.1 on USB memory sticks. Now I wonder how I can backup the ESXi config and USB stick itself, in case the USB stick will be dead/damaged? One of the USB sticks on one server already shows some signs of going to rest forever and I would like to have a backup of it. Is there any tool that I can use to create a perfect backup on another USB stick?

[arturka]

Hi

if you have Enteprice + licese you can use host profiles for new ESXi host configuration - if you don't have it you can use vMA (vSphere management assistance) and command vicfg-cfgbackup

NOTE: if you would need to restore config to new ESXi (rebuilded) you need to have this same build number like you had on old (crashed) server

Cheers
Artur

Please, don't forget the awarding points for "helpful" and/or "correct" answers.

[xcom1000]

Thanks, I was looking for some kind of script. And the backup process itself is ok, but the restore config procedure requires the ESXi host to be alive and running. So in case of emergency (USB stick not working), what would be the correct procedure to restore the server, without going trough a complete reinstall of ESXi and the reload the config with vicfg-cfgbackup ?

[arturka · Accepted solution]

xcom1000 wrote:

Thanks, I was looking for some kind of script. And the backup process itself is ok, but the restore config procedure requires the ESXi host to be alive and running. So in case of emergency (USB stick not working), what would be the correct procedure to restore the server, without going trough a complete reinstall of ESXi and the reload the config with vicfg-cfgbackup ?

Well, everything depends how many ESXi servers do you have.

if you have small env then it's not worth to spend much time for preparing super extra recovery too. I do not know anyone who is backing up who ESX or ESXi severs.

For small env:

1. PowerCLI script - you can create Power CLI script for each of your hosts with specific settings

http://communities.vmware.com/community/vmtn/server/vsphere/automationtools/powercli

Restore requirements:

ESXi server has to be up and running -

restore procedure

manual installation of ESXi (15 minutes), after installation run a script (2 minutes) against new server and DONE

2. Using vMA

Create a bash script which would backup ESXi firmware, schedule it on weekly basis in crone (on vMA server)

Restore requirements

ESXi server has to be up and running

ESXi has to be on this same build level like it was before crash

restore procedure

manual installation of ESXi (15 minutes), after installation restore a Firmware using  new server and DONE

http://www.vmware.com/support/developer/vcli/vcli41/doc/reference/vicfg-cfgbackup.html

Cheers
Artur

Please, don't forget the awarding points for "helpful" and/or "correct" answers.