how to backup host image?

[aboyz]

Hi,

Anyone know of a way to backup the host virtual image ? I can't seem to find any document on it.

I installed ESXI 4 and installed the Converter, and converted a P2V into the ESXI4 host. I login to the ESXI host from the web browser and boot it up just fine, But I can't find anything on how to backup that image I just created.

Any advice will be thankful.

[Dave_Mishchenko]

Depending on your license edition, you may be licensed for Data Recovery. There are also 3rd party backup solutions or here's a free script - http://communities.vmware.com/docs/DOC-8760.




Dave

VMware Communities User Moderator

Now available - vSphere Quick Start Guide

Do you have a system or PCI card working with VMDirectPath? Submit your specs to the Unofficial VMDirectPath HCL.

[aboyz]

thanks for the script.

How do I ssh into the ESXI server? I can't seem to get in using ssh. Seem like SSH is not enable. please advice.

[Dave_Mishchenko]

Are you using ESXi 4.1? In the vSphere client go to Configuration > Security Profiles and click Properties. Start the Remote Tech Support service and set it to start automatically. If you're using 4.0 look here - http://www.vm-help.com/esx40i/ESXi_enable_SSH.php.




Dave

VMware Communities User Moderator

Now available - vSphere Quick Start Guide

Do you have a system or PCI card working with VMDirectPath? Submit your specs to the Unofficial VMDirectPath HCL.

[aboyz]

Yes I'm using ESXI 4.1 in my client I don't see configuration on top. this is what I see

[Dave_Mishchenko · Accepted solution]

When you select the host in that view, look to the right and you'll see the tabs Summary, Virtual machines, Performance, etc and the one you want is Configuration.




Dave

VMware Communities User Moderator

Now available - vSphere Quick Start Guide

Do you have a system or PCI card working with VMDirectPath? Submit your specs to the Unofficial VMDirectPath HCL.

[aboyz]

thanks, worked like a charm!!! now questions.

I see the images under

/vmfs/volumes/4c97822d-d5a3d204-ec8c-000c29abb09b/

and I see a bunch of file. If I copy all the file to somewhere else , that is all I need to backup and restore the image correct?

*.vmdk

.nvram

*.vmsd

*.vmxf

*.log

[jcwuerfl]

*.vmx files as well for sure.

It doesn't hurt to backup everything in the vm folder really. But what's critical is for sure *.vmx, *.vmdk files