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victordr

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VMware ESXi 4.1 free version backup

I have a single node ESXi4.1 server running 4VM's using local storage. I would like to find a way to back these up. What backup solution would you offer/use?

 
Avatar of Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)
Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)
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Free backup tools here that work with ESXi.

Free tool here:-

ghettoVCBg2 - Free alternative for backing up VMs

http://communities.vmware.com/docs/DOC-9843

http://communities.vmware.com/message/1029047

Unless you use your Backup Exec with Agent in the Virtual Machine.

You don't specify if you have a licensed version of VMware ESXi?
Avatar of victordr
victordr

ASKER

I have the free version.
if you have the free version of ESXi, the only option is the 2nd URL, the first URL requires you have a Foundation or Essentials licese for ESXi.
other options are:

1. Veeam FastSCP (VM must be off)

2. or free VMware Standalone Converter.

VMware Standalone Convertor

http://downloads.vmware.com/d/info/datacenter_downloads/vmware_vcenter_converter_standalone/4_0
I use Arcserve Backup for my physical servers. Could i purchase an agent for these VM's?
Yes, you can use a traditional agent, not the fastest of restore of backup, but you can install an agent in the machine and backup as normal.
Have you ever used ghettovcb?
But I'm afraid you cannot use it on the FREE version of ESXi 4.1, you'll need to use the 2nd option URL.

http://communities.vmware.com/message/1029047
Can it backup the VM while it is running? I  just started reading about it. The problem i am going to have is it can only backup to local storage.
What about if i use Veeam FastSCP (VM must be off)?

 I just copy the whole VM dir? What happens if i need to restore?
No. If you want to backup running VMs, you'll need to obtain a licensed version of ESXi. (because you need to trigger a snapshot via the API, and these are read only on free version). So you cannot do any remote management.
if you want to restore, you copy it all back.
Yes, VM must be off. (on free version of ESXi)
So let's say the node crashes. How would i restore the copied VM's?
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
Avatar of Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)
Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)
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