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Map Network drive to ESXi server for Backups

How do I connect to my ESXi server and copy the VMs to another storage area as a back up. I know you can use datastore to browse and download data from the datastore to another location, but I was thinking more in terms of like a robocopy job or something along those lines.

Thanks.

aldanch

If you're looking for a low cost solution for VM backups, then you may want to consider VMware Consolidated Backup (VCB). If you have a backup server running the likes of Symantec BackupExec, CommVault, etc, you can possibly get a license to backup your VMs through them instead.

Are you running ESXi as a standalone or are you a VMware customer with either Foundation, Standard or Enterprise license? VCB is included in those three, so why not consider it?
http://www.vmware.com/products/vi/consolidated_backup.html
vi3-consolidated-backup.pdf
vcb-partner-integration-guide.pdf

AlaskanGeek

ASKER

ESXi is a standalone server for testing to see if we want to purchase ESX.
But for now, I want to copy the VMs off the server without using datastore browser. Any way to network map the datastore drives from another computer?

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AlaskanGeek

ASKER

Thanks, that worked. Side note, just need to access the 'hidden' console in ESXi, enable SSH and use WinSCP. Thanks again...