Backing up a VM

[Sleazy]

I have a VM image running on a W3K server box. It's a debian linux VM with TWiki installed in it. I need to be able to back up the VM but can't do it while it is running. What are my options for saftely shuting down a VMWare Player from script so that I can write a backup script to run from windows.

[RDPetruska]

Unlike Workstation or Server, Player does not support any scripting/command line/API interface. Player is designed for user-interactive VMs. If you have a VM which is more of a service/non-interactive guest, you may be better off using the VMware Server product.

[Sleazy]

OK, so what is my cheapest option that would allow for scriptable reboots?

and what is my best option with out price as a factor and why?

[Peter_vm]

Maybe schedule shutdown from inside VM, script backup and startup Player from Windows?

[RDPetruska]

Well, VMware Server is also free. So, I guess that would be your cheapest option.

[Sleazy]

Thanks everyone!