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VM with 20 snapshots. - some 30GB. Best way to backup the VM (not backup all snapshot files)

Hi - try to be clear here - I need an "Up to date" backup before I commit/delete the snapshots.

so Should I do a v2v ? or a simple clone - is a v2v safer bet and will it give me "just the one vmdk" or will it need to be "all 20" files.
when you clone a VM does it copy "all files" including all snapshots - or does it commit the deltas into the newly created clone?
i have this mess due to old symantec version not clearing the snaps after backup

Backup is important as I worry about committing the snapshots - failing for whatever reason.
im running esx 5.1

Advice anyone ? - Hancock hope your out there :) - thanks

Randy Downs

Maybe this will help

http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=1007849

VMware ESX 4.0 Update 2 or later

VMware ESX now incorporates improved consolidation procedures, which lessens the demand of free space. You are able to consolidate virtual machine delta disks even while minimal free space on your datastore is available.

To consolidate the snapshots for a virtual machine currently registered to an ESX 4.0 Update 2 or later host:
Power off the virtual machine.
Open the virtual machine's Snapshot Manager.
Remove one or more snapshots by click Delete or Delete All.
Allow time for the consolidation to complete. Larger snapshots and delta disks will take more time to complete.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

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

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philb19

ASKER

Thanks - I think im going to opt for a v2v - and then power off original (with 20 snaps).
use the NEW VM as production 1.

My understanding is it has new MAC and GUID. - its just a web server though so I dont imagine any problems with application? - its win2008 IIS server

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

Should not be any issue, just make sure IP Address is the same, DHCP reservations, etc

you could change, the MAC Address to match as well.

philb19

ASKER

Thanks again Hancock