Can we take ESXI Backup

Hi Stuart,

Thanks for your response.

I want to protect the ESXi host itself. 

Thanks,

Mani

Hi Mani,

Backup only protects the VM’s for VMware (VMDK’s, VMX, NVRAM and logs), not the actual ESXi itself.
Can I ask what the need is to backup the ESXi OS/Configuration?
- In most scenarios if you lose a Host, you can just build a new one and add it to the vCenter. (Or if standalone re-add VM’s from Storage)

Kind Regards,

Michael  

For older ESX versions it was not recommended to install software when service console was available.

https://www.vmware.com/pdf/esx_3p_scvcons.pdf

“In general, VMware recommends that users avoid running third-party software in the VMware ESX Server service console”

For newer versions I think it is not possible to install Linux file system agent.

Hi Michael,

There is requirement from VM team to take a backup.

Thanks,

Mani

@Manikandn , to @Ledoesp ‘s point, what version are you on?

@Manikandn , following up on this thread.  Depending on your version, this may not be possible (and VMWare suggest you don’t run 3rd party software on the ESX server as well).

Honestly, deploying ESXi is a simple task for VM team administrators. All the VMware admins I worked with always preferred nothing to be installed on those hosts, to remain inline with the VMWare support.

You could always suggest them to script the copy of their ESXi(s) files/configuration to a non-ESXi host, where you would have a Commvault backup, if this is what they wish to protect.

@Manikandn , following up on this, with the advice received.  As many have mentioned, it is generally not recommended to back up the eSX server itself.

Hello, 

generally vsphere ESXi is deployed in cluster mode HA,DRS etc …  and replacing a host that is not responding is not a lot of time consuming if all is documented correctly :)

but you can automate the ESXi configuration with scripting, a lot of example are available. after the backup file is copied on a NAS for example, you can backup it up with commvault.