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Create an automatic snapshot process and ideally a copy process with ESXI 4.0
Hello,
I'm completely new to ESXI 4.0 (never used a previous version either). I have the system up and running. I've created a virtual machine that runs a server OS. I'd like to create more VMs but first I'd like to know how to schedule automatic snapshots to be created and ideally have them copy to a network location.
We don't have the budget for much software or a full version of ESX. Can you please let me know how to create these backups?
Thanks
I'm completely new to ESXI 4.0 (never used a previous version either). I have the system up and running. I've created a virtual machine that runs a server OS. I'd like to create more VMs but first I'd like to know how to schedule automatic snapshots to be created and ideally have them copy to a network location.
We don't have the budget for much software or a full version of ESX. Can you please let me know how to create these backups?
Thanks
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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If you are using vCenter, under Home there will be Scheduled Task. In there you will be able to define what tasks you require - so in your case "Make a snapshot of a virtual machine" and this can be scheduled to whatever times you deem appropriate.
With regards to moving them to a different network location, this isn't something I have personally looked in to as they are saved to our datastore (which is on a SAN which is backed up each night using Backup Exec 2010). But I can see why you would like this to be done if your datastore is just the hard drives on the host.
With regards to moving them to a different network location, this isn't something I have personally looked in to as they are saved to our datastore (which is on a SAN which is backed up each night using Backup Exec 2010). But I can see why you would like this to be done if your datastore is just the hard drives on the host.
If you are looking for pretty much the ultimate back up solution for your virtual environment, look in to vRanger Pro - http://www.vizioncore.com/products/vRangerPro
As mentioned above, no b/u solution works with ESXi....unless the paid version of ESXi is used. But, if you are paying for ESXi, there are options, and the Scheduled Tasks area of vCenter would be where to schedule events. Since you didn't mention vCenter, I assumed you're using the free version (w/out vCenter)?
~coolsport00
~coolsport00
If you want to purchase the paid version you can get vSphere Essentials for $499 which includes licenses for 3 ESX/ESXi hosts and vCenter and 1 year support
ASKER
Thanks - to be clear, I am using the free version of the ESXi. I'd like to make copies of virtual machines, not the whole server so I could restore them in the event of a disaster. Sorry for not explaining in more detail.
You can make 'copies' by using Veeam or WinSCP as mentioned above, but the VMs need to be powered off. Another alternative is to use vCenter Converter Standalone tool to convert (make a copy) your VMs to another VMware storage location (ESX/I, Workstation, or Server). Converter is free.
~coolsport00
~coolsport00
Here is the link for the Converter if you need it:
https://www.vmware.com/tryvmware/?p=converter&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGLL_enUS371US371&q=vcenter%20converter
~coolsport00
https://www.vmware.com/tryvmware/?p=converter&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGLL_enUS371US371&q=vcenter%20converter
~coolsport00
It is not designed for backups.