troubleshooting Question
Must you Configure VSS Shadowstorage in a Guest OS to Use VMWare App-consistent Snapshots?
asked on
I am trying to track down what should be an obvious question, but one which seems to be ignored on the 'Net:
When you enable an application-consistent backup in VMware, it configures the VMware Tools component inside the guest operating system to take a VSS Snapshot, which then engages all of the active VSS Writers to ensure that all data write activity has been quiesced prior to the backup. This is all the easy part.
Now for the hard part: What happens if the system administrator never sets up shadowcopy storage within the OS? Or, more directly, do you need to configure the operating system's VSS storage (i.e. vssadmin list shadowstorage) in order for this to work? I have seen references that VMware handles the snapshot duties, which would seem to imply that you do NOT need shadow storage configured. However, I can also see where the VSS environment within the guest OS would depend on it, and it might refuse to allow a VSS snapshot to occur without storage being available. Which is it???
When you enable an application-consistent backup in VMware, it configures the VMware Tools component inside the guest operating system to take a VSS Snapshot, which then engages all of the active VSS Writers to ensure that all data write activity has been quiesced prior to the backup. This is all the easy part.
Now for the hard part: What happens if the system administrator never sets up shadowcopy storage within the OS? Or, more directly, do you need to configure the operating system's VSS storage (i.e. vssadmin list shadowstorage) in order for this to work? I have seen references that VMware handles the snapshot duties, which would seem to imply that you do NOT need shadow storage configured. However, I can also see where the VSS environment within the guest OS would depend on it, and it might refuse to allow a VSS snapshot to occur without storage being available. Which is it???
Learn from the best
Network and collaborate with thousands of CTOs, CISOs, and IT Pros rooting for you and your success.
Andrew Hancock - VMware vExpert
See if this solution works for you by signing up for a 7 day free trial.
Unlock 1 Answer and 3 Comments.
Try for 7 days”The time we save is the biggest benefit of E-E to our team. What could take multiple guys 2 hours or more each to find is accessed in around 15 minutes on Experts Exchange.
Our community of experts have been thoroughly vetted for their expertise and industry experience.
The Fellow title is reserved for select members who demonstrate sustained contributions, industry leadership, and outstanding performance. We will announce the experts being inducted into the Experts Exchange Fellowship during the annual Expert Awards, but unlike other awards, Fellow is a lifelong status. This title may not be given every year if there are no obvious candidates.
The Expert of the Year award recognizes an expert who helped improve Experts Exchange in the past year through high levels of contributions and participation on site. This award is given to the expert who has achieved the highest levels of participation, while maintaining quality contributions and professionalism.