backing up the datastore

[3phatladies]

HI all.

I'm running exsi4 for test purposes and currently have sbs2k8 in the datastore which runs well... I was wondering what the best practice was to backup this store as I need to replace the hdd on the esxi server, then restore it?

T.I.A

corei7920 with v8 cooler, gigabyte ex58 extreme, 12gb ddr3 ram, 1tb hdd, intel pro 1000gt nic, 700w m700 psu

[grimey73]

hey 3phat

i'm sure this has been answered here before.

try: http://communities.vmware.com/docs/DOC-8760 for a script...or you could try and handroll a vmkfstools script.

[AndreTheGiant]

There are a lot of solutions: VMware Converter (could be a simply way to backup and restore), VCB (but you need a license), SCP/FastSCP (but your need to stop the VM), ...

And there are a lot of threads, for example:

Andre

[3phatladies]

Thx Grimey.

I've come across this before but wasn't sure if there was another way. I've heard that vcentre can migrate and do wonders but 'm guessing it's not available as a freebie?

[3phatladies]

Thx Andre also.

I did try downloading the files in the4 datastores to another part of the network. It was downloading in cold mode and all was copying fine (my corei7 chip was making some unusual noises ((it's not in a case)) - almost quiet but alternating pitch) - the logs, the snapshot etc until it got to the .vmdk file which is 156gb and it got halfway then reported that the network was lost??

Hence looking at alternative ways. With VCB you mentioned a license is needed....would this include the free one given??

Cheers

The vcentre converter might be the go though...thx

[AndreTheGiant]

VCB require a license. But in the link that I've posted there are a lot of other solutions.

PS: remember that on ESX snapshots must be used only when you need them and only for a "few" time.

If you live a snapshoot alive you will have a lot of performance problems.

Andre