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VMBstAA
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Howto backup an ESXi Server itself? Not configuration, not virtual machines!

I've got already good and tested solutions for

  • backing up the configuration of my two ESXi systems
  • backing up the virtual machines including the vSphere Appliance

But: Before updating or even upgrading the server itself (one is still running Version 5.1) I would really like to take a backup of the ESXi server itself!

Yes: I know, that a fresh installation is fast, but I don't have available the customised installation image.

--> Where do I find a procedure to take a full backup?

... and of course a procedure to restore?

Klaus

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dekoshal
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Why you want to do that when ESXi does it for you?

The ESXi system has two independent banks of memory I.e /bootbank & /altbootbank, each of which stores a full system image, as a fail-safe for applying updates. When you upgrade the system, the new version is loaded into the inactive bank of memory, and the system is set to use the updated bank when it reboots. If boot fails, system boots from the previously active bootbank.

Boot loader compares the boot.cfg in each bootbank

Loads the newest (build=) and functioning (bootstate=0) bootbank

If you found this or any other answer helpful, please consider the use of the Helpful to award points.

Best Regards,

Deepak Koshal

CNE|CLA|CWMA|VCP4|VCP5|CCAH

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dekoshal
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Why you want to do that when ESXi does it for you?

The ESXi system has two independent banks of memory I.e /bootbank & /altbootbank, each of which stores a full system image, as a fail-safe for applying updates. When you upgrade the system, the new version is loaded into the inactive bank of memory, and the system is set to use the updated bank when it reboots. If boot fails, system boots from the previously active bootbank.

Boot loader compares the boot.cfg in each bootbank

Loads the newest (build=) and functioning (bootstate=0) bootbank

If you found this or any other answer helpful, please consider the use of the Helpful to award points.

Best Regards,

Deepak Koshal

CNE|CLA|CWMA|VCP4|VCP5|CCAH

VMBstAA
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Many thanks Deepak!

Thats very good news Smiley Happy

...and where do I find this in the documentation?

Klaus

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dekoshal
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Steps for reverting to previous version of ESXi is in below mentioned KB.

Reverting to a previous version of ESXi (1033604) | VMware KB

If you found this or any other answer helpful, please consider the use of the Helpful to award points.

Best Regards,

Deepak Koshal

CNE|CLA|CWMA|VCP4|VCP5|CCAH

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