Backing up a virtual machine while running

Discussion in 'Virtual and Cloud Computing' started by jackd, Feb 24, 2008.

  1. jackd

    jackd Megabyte Poster

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    Is there a way to backup a virtual machine while its running. Im using VMWare server and wondered if this was possible. Usually the file would be locked because it is in use by vmware so it cant be backed up. Is there any way around this?

    Thanks
    Jack Dunn
     
  2. zebulebu

    zebulebu Terabyte Poster

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    Jack

    Pretty sure this can't be done in the free version of VMWare Server. We use ESX at work, and run our backups using ESX Ranger from Vizioncore - it rules. Unfortunately, VMWare need to keep at least some features for the 'paid-for' versions of their products - otherwise no-one would buy 'em!
     
    Certifications: A few
    WIP: None - f*** 'em
  3. jackd

    jackd Megabyte Poster

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    Damn! I was hoping not to hear that
     
  4. jackd

    jackd Megabyte Poster

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    UPDATE: Ive got around this problem by using the Advanced Open File Option of Symantec Backup Exec 11d.

    Seems to work fine in backing up the vm's while they are running woohoo! :biggrin
     
  5. Phoenix
    Honorary Member

    Phoenix 53656e696f7220 4d6f64

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    Jack, thats right,
    if you run traditional backup methods it will work as any other server, ie agent on the system, open file licenses, etc etc


    ESXRanger allows you to do backups direct from ESX without manually doing system backups individually over the network, very cool when you have bucket loads of vms and a few gigabit nics
     
    Certifications: MCSE, MCITP, VCP
    WIP: > 0
  6. jackd

    jackd Megabyte Poster

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    Does that also depend on bucket loads of money? 8)
     

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