- How is a Windows file level restore done when backed up using VCB? I am assuming you can not use the Networker User.
If you use a file-level disk mount, the same way as with a normal backup.
If you do a fullvm (image) backup, then restore the image to a new location, boot up the server and copy the files off.
- We are currently using the SQL, Oracle, and Exchange Networker modules during backups. How would you use those in conjunction with VCB?
You can't. VCB will give you a "crash-consistent" backup, which means it's the equivalent of going to a physical server and just pulling the plug out. When it boots up, disk checks will run but the file system should still be intact.
Database-based servers are a different matter. At any point in time, you cannot be sure that the database is in a consistent state. So, for those type of servers it's best to load the client agents on and back them up over the wire (or over a software iSCSI attached drive), same as you would a physical server.
- Can the VCB Proxy, Networker Server, and Virtual Center all be on the same box?
VCB & Networker can, as far as I know. VMware generally don't recommend having VirtualCenter and VCB on the same box.
- Can you specify only certain LUN's to backup when using VCB to backup VM Images? It would be nice to only backup the system directory (C:\ and system state) using VCB and the App data (for instance, the Exchange DB on the E: drive) can be backed up by the Networker Agent and Module.
You can do this one of two ways: Either put E: drive on a separate VMDK file and mark it as an "independant disk". VCB won't touch it then. But it means you can't snapshot it either. The second option is to explictly exclude the second disk's VMDK files from the backup set.
Or, as I said, don't use VCB for database servers.
- When doing daily incremental backups of the vm image files, would they be fully backed up everyday since they are bound to change or does VCB look at something more granular when determining incremental image backups.
No, incrementals won't work. If you use vm images, full backups is all you can do, because from Networker's perspective, it's just one or two multi-gigabyte files sitting on the proxy server. It doesn't know, and doesn't care, what's inside those files.
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I hope this information helps you. If it does, please consider awarding points with the 'Helpful' or 'Correct' buttons. If it doesn't help you, please ask for clarification!
I hope this information helps you. If it does, please consider awarding points with the 'Helpful' or 'Correct' buttons. If it doesn't help you, please ask for clarification!
