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VMware ESX OS backups

Background info:
Dell PowerEdge 2950 servers with RAID1 146GB.
Storage for VM's is on the SAN.

Is there a way to backup a local installation of VMware ESX server?

Example:
Install Symantec Backup Exec on the ESX server? Is that even possible?
Or boot from SAN and get rid of the RAID1.

Wow.....Experts Exchange hasn't created a section for VMware yet......

SOLUTION

groetting

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romlopez

ASKER

I have no problems on backing up the VM's. (VM's are stored on SAN + backup exec)
But my question is: Can the ESX server be backed up?
I will be doing SAN snapshots so booting from SAN is my only option.

Any other options available?

groetting

Ive seen discussions like this, here is one for instance http://www.vmware.com/community/thread.jspa?messageID=600201 they are suggesting that you script the installation so if you need to get it up and running in a hurry you just run your scripts. Here is another link that gives you a recipe on backuping the esx configuration itself http://www.jasemccarty.com/blog/2006/03/vmware-backing-up-your-esx.html

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Duncan Meyers

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Duncan Meyers

I should note that my remarks apply to ESX Server 3.0.x. ESX Server 2.5.x is a completely different kettle of fish. That you *do* need to back up as the VM config files are on the ESX server.

romlopez

ASKER

I believe that is the response I was looking for meyersd.
If it is not too much trouble can you post a link to backup your statement?

I haven't used VirtualCenter yet, we will purchase it though and I will go to training.

Can you install backup exec on a ESX server? (Not the VM's)

Duncan Meyers

>If it is not too much trouble can you post a link to backup your statement?
www.meyersd's_head.com.au. :-)

I've done loads of ESX implementations and looked carefully into whether or not its worth backing up the service console - and my conclusion is that it is faster and more efficient to document your environment carefully and simply not back up the ESX server.

>Can you install backup exec on a ESX server? (Not the VM's)
No. Definitely not supported. I'm very wary of installing anything that is not directly VMware-related on the service console at all - such as management agents and the like. Keep the service console clean and lean - and you'll avoid having to troubleshoot issues caused by flaky vendor software.

romlopez

ASKER

Last question:
Should the ESX servers boot from local RAID1 or from SAN?
If we boot from SAN we save a couple of hundreds.

Thank you for your feedback.

Duncan Meyers

I prefer to boot locally off local RAID 1. It keeps the service console load off the SAN.

It also eases troubleshooting if you have SAN connectivity issues. And getting boot from SAN to behave can be tricky.

romlopez

ASKER

There, thanks for your help!

Duncan Meyers

No worries. Glad I could help!