What is the best way the backup my VMs?

[StefanMedelin]

Hello

I have inherited this VMware ESXi 6 (I think, thats what it says in the Licensing tab) but Im not sure how should I proceed with backing up the 2 VMs installed on it

I know that you can save the ESXi configuration file but does that save the VMs installed on it with all its stuff as well?

I know I can export an ovf file of the VMs when they are turned off but is there a way to automate this task without me having to manually turn off the VMs and export them every time?

Thanks

[ptarnawski]

Hey @StefanMedelin ,

If you don't want to use any external tools like NetApp or veeam, the best option would be to use the ESXi command line.

ESXi configuration is saved every hour automatically to the /bootblank/state.tgz file.

Sync config first:

vim-cmd hostsvc/firmware/sync_config

Back up ESXi configuration:

vim-cmd hostsvc/firmware/backup_config

As a result, you’ll receive a link to download the configBundle.tgz archive from the ESXi host

You can write a script to automate the process. 

[e_espinel]

Hello.
For Vms backup, I recommend Veeam Backup & Replication Community Edition, which is an easy and free tool ((up to 10 workloads).
The server backup can be installed on a PC or server (external) with enough disk space (even with an external USB disk).

https://www.veeam.com/virtual-machine-backup-solution-free.html

With Veeam B&R you can schedule backups, receive alerts, define retention times and much more.

[scott28tt]

Your post needs moving, so I have reported it.

[StefanMedelin]

Hello, I know of this methot but does the backup file hold all the info and configuration of the VMs installed on ESXi ? Is there I way can create a virtual environment and restore a machine using this backup file?

[ptarnawski]

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@StefanMedelin wrote:

Hello, I know of this methot but does the backup file hold all the info and configuration of the VMs installed on ESXi ? Is there I way can create a virtual environment and restore a machine using this backup file?

---

Yes, that is what backups are for.  Depending on the method of backup, the process will be different. 

[IRIX201110141]

The backup file "configBundle.tgz" does not contains any VM (Data/Config).  You need a 3rd. Party product to backup your VMs.

Regards,
Joerg

[StefanMedelin]

So how does this work? Can I install the Veem client on any pc with access to the ESXi server and it will save the backup on the pc?

[IRIX201110141]

In general when speaking about the programs which backup VMs they all leverage the vsphere api for data protection which is available on any payed vSphere ESXi (not in the free vSphere Hypervisor product). This API offer several way how to backup(NBD, HotAdd, SAN..) and often the backup vendor put something special on top of these.

Most of them have their management on a windows system(VM or Phys) and you tell them where to store the backups (NAS(CIFS,NFS) , Storage, Local Disk, S3 and so on).  Some of them use Linux and coming as appliance (VM or Phys.). In all cases they connect to the ESXi or vCenter.

If the VADP cant be used than you can install an Agent within the Guest OS and use the old school method.

Veeam B&R Comunity can be used for free and up to 10 "Objects" (VM, Agent, ...).  You might be able to install Veeam on your PC and yes you can store the backup on that PC. Check the Veeam requirements. We never use a Windows Desktop OS for Veeam because we have the need to perform a File Level Restore from Windows Server VMs which have windows deduplication/compression in use. When Veeam runs on a Win pro this cant be used. But i have customers where Veeam runs on a Windows 10 PC.

Regards,
Joerg

[alt_n]

Hi StefanMedelin, we are using Vinchin Backup & Recovery as our backup solution and it makes us satisfied. It also has free version for licensed ESXi so you can try it.