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How to save the vmdk file.

Hello experts.

I need to back up vmdk file. ( for back up )
If I don't use the backup software, how can I back up vmdk file ?
I would like to know the easiest way and secure way.

and I can use vCenter and vSphere client.

clone , template , or other way ?
which way is the best ?
and please let me know how to do that.
snapshot is not for back up , right ?

coolsport00

Veeam Backup & Replication is the leader in VM backups, for the entire VM, or individual VM files.

If you don't wanna pay anything and don't mind doing it manually, or powering down the VM, you can simply copy the VMDK or the whole VM folder using either the Datastore Browser, Veeam FastSCP (my recommendation), or WinSCP...all free tools.

~coolsport00

coolsport00

Or, you can use vCenter Converter or vCenter Converter Standalone to make a copy of the VM while it's powered on. Converter Standalone is also a free tool, as well.

WinSCP: http://winscp.net/eng/download.php
FastSCP: http://www.veeam.com/vmware-esxi-fastscp.html
vCenter Converter Standalone: https://www.vmware.com/tryvmware/?p=converter&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CC0QFjAB&url=http://www.vmware.com/go/getconverter&rct=j&q=vcenter%20converter%20standalone&ei=-ceeToDFFKK0sQK5m-2OCg&usg=AFQjCNH3Et0HlSZPzkw2VZxLVZoNZ_yY5g&sig2=OpIf2k3uAbShTDc58tRU0w; Converter User Guide: http://www.vmware.com/pdf/convsa_50_guide.pdf, and the VMware KB on Converter best practices: http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1004588

Hope that helps.

~coolsport00

morpheios

You need backup no only Disk but Memory too.

See:
http://timjacobs.blogspot.com/2008/07/full-backups-of-virtual-machines-and.html

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)

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Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)

You are correct Snapshot is not a Backup.

But Template or Clone will create a backup for you.

We use the Clone option before any major changes to a VM.

coolsport00

If you did wanna use Clone, or create the VM and just make a Template, the VM Admin Guide discusses that in more detail on pg. 33:
http://www.vmware.com/pdf/vsphere4/r41/vsp_41_vm_admin_guide.pdf

For more on snapshots, see:
Understanding: http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1015180
Best Practices: http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1025279

PerimeterIT

If you have a paid for VMware you should have access to VCB (VMware Consolidated Backup). You can use it to script backups off your VMs without shutting them down using a batch file. My understanding of VEEAM and other vm backup tools is that they leverage this functionality, add a nice GUI and alot of functionality.

Using this you can backup to a portable drive, local storage or whatever.

If you don't have licenses for VCB you can try your luck with "Ghetto VCB"

http://communities.vmware.com/docs/DOC-8760
http://www.magikmon.com/mksbackup/ghettovcb.en.html

shouichi

ASKER

Thank you