4 4 3:VMware Instant Recovery: Difference between revisions

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{{Copyright SEP AG|en}}
{{Copyright SEP AG|en}}


{{Navigation_latest|release=4.4.3|link=[[VMWare|VMware archive]]}}<br />
<!--T:2-->
==Overview==
{{Navigation_latest|release=[[Special:MyLanguage/SEP_sesam_Release_Versions|4.4.3/4.4.3 ''Beefalo'']]|link=[[Special:MyLanguage/VMware|VMware archive]]}}</div></translate><br />
<div class="boilerplate metadata" id="Additional resources" style="background-color: #f0f0f0; color:#636f73; border: 1px ridge #cdd3db; margin: 0.5em; padding: 0.5em; float: right; width: 35%; "><center><b>Additional resources</b></center>
<translate>==Overview== <!--T:3--></translate>
<div class="boilerplate metadata" id="Additional resources" style="background-color: #f0f0f0; color:#636f73; border: 1px ridge #cdd3db; margin: 0.5em; padding: 0.5em; float: right; width: 35%; "><center><b><translate><!--T:4-->
Additional resources</translate></b></center>


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{|style="margin: auto; margin-bottom:1em; width:100%; border:0px solid grey;"
| rowspan="2" style="padding:0px 10px 0px;" | [[File:SEP_next.png|45px|link=VMware Single File Restore]]
| rowspan="2" style="padding:0px 10px 0px;" | <translate><!--T:5-->
| style="padding:0px 40px 0px 10px; color: grey; font-size: 90%; text-align:left;" | Also relevant: [[VMware Backup]] – [[VMware Single File Restore]] – [[VMware Restore]]
[[File:SEP_next.png|45px|link=Special:MyLanguage/VMware_Instant_Recovery]]</translate>
| style="padding:0px 40px 0px 10px; color: grey; font-size: 90%; text-align:left;" | <translate><!--T:6-->
See also: [[Special:MyLanguage/4_4_3_Tigon:VMware_Single_File_Restore_and_Instant_Recovery_Support_Matrix|SF & IR support matrix (latest)]] – [[Special:MyLanguage/4_4_3:VMware_Single_File_Restore_and_Instant_Recovery_Support_Matrix|SF & IR support matrix 4.4.3]] – [[Special:MyLanguage/4_4_3:VMware_Requirements_%26_Restrictions|VMware Requirements & Restrictions]]  – [[Special:MyLanguage/4_4_3_Tigon:VMware Backup|VMware Backup (latest)]] – [[Special:MyLanguage/4_4_3:VMware Backup|VMware Backup 4.4.3]] – [[Special:MyLanguage/4_4_3:VMware Single File Restore|VMware Single File Restore]] – [[Special:MyLanguage/4_4_3:VMware Restore|VMware Restore]]</translate>
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{|style="margin: auto; margin-bottom:1em; width:100%; border:0px solid grey;"
{|style="margin: auto; margin-bottom:1em; width:100%; border:0px solid grey;"
| rowspan="2" style="padding:0px 10px 0px;" | [[File:SEP Troubleshooting.png|45px|link=Troubleshooting_Guide#VMware_vStorage_API]]
| rowspan="2" style="padding:0px 10px 0px;" | <translate><!--T:7-->
| style="padding:0px 40px 0px 10px; color: grey; font-size: 90%; text-align:left;" | If you have a problem with your ''VMware recovery'', check the [[Troubleshooting_Guide#VMware_vStorage_API|VMware troubleshooting]].
[[File:SEP Troubleshooting.png|45px|link=Special:MyLanguage/Troubleshooting_Guide#VMware_vStorage_API]]</translate>
| style="padding:0px 40px 0px 10px; color: grey; font-size: 90%; text-align:left;" | <translate><!--T:8-->
If you have a problem with your ''VMware recovery'', check the [[Special:MyLanguage/Troubleshooting_Guide#VMware_vStorage_API|VMware troubleshooting]].</translate>
|}
|}


{|style="margin: auto; margin-bottom:1em; width:100%; border:0px solid grey;"
{|style="margin: auto; margin-bottom:1em; width:100%; border:0px solid grey;"
| rowspan="2" style="padding:0px 10px 0px;" | [[File:icon_archived_docs.png|45px|link=VMWare]]
| rowspan="2" style="padding:0px 10px 0px;" | <translate><!--T:9-->
| style="padding:0px 40px 0px 10px; color: grey; font-size: 90%; text-align:left;" | If you are using an older SEP sesam version, refer to [[VMWare|VMware archive]].
[[File:icon_archived_docs.png|45px|link=Special:MyLanguage/VMware]]</translate>
| style="padding:0px 40px 0px 10px; color: grey; font-size: 90%; text-align:left;" | <translate><!--T:10-->
If you are using an older SEP sesam version, refer to [[Special:MyLanguage/VMware|VMware archive]].</translate>
|}</div>
|}</div>
From version 4.4.3 onwards, SEP sesam provides simple and flexible instant recovery for VMware from any VMware copy- or full backup or from a backup chain. In other words, no special backup option is required for VMware instant recovery.
<translate><!--T:11-->
As of version 4.4.3, SEP sesam provides simple and flexible instant recovery for VMware based on almost any [[Special:MyLanguage/SEP_sesam_Glossary#backup_level|level]] of VMware backup, including differential and incremental. Hence, it is no longer required to use the dedicated GUI option ''VM single file and instant recovery'' during backup. To learn what applies to SF and IR, which backup level supports it and how it relates to the disk size usage, see SF & IR support matrix for the version you are using: [[Special:MyLanguage/4_4_3_Tigon:VMware_Single_File_Restore_and_Instant_Recovery_Support_Matrix|''Tigon'']] or [[Special:MyLanguage/4_4_3:VMware_Single_File_Restore_and_Instant_Recovery_Support_Matrix|version 4.4.3]].


SEP sesam VMware instant recovery enables you to power on a virtual machine without having to wait to first restore it. This means that your VMware data is instantly accessible from your backup source. SEP sesam uses VMware Storage vMotion to relocate your VM. You are guided through the procedure by using a '''restore wizard'''.
<!--T:12-->
SEP sesam VMware instant recovery enables you to power on a virtual machine without having to wait to first restore it. This means that your VMware data is instantly accessible from your backup source. SEP sesam uses VMware's Storage vMotion to relocate your VM. You are guided through the procedure by using a '''restore wizard'''.


===Prerequisites===
===Prerequisites=== <!--T:13-->
Before attempting to instantly recover you VM, all preparation steps have to be performed properly, including configuration and VM backup. Depending on your SEP sesam version, see the relevant [[VMWare|VMware guide]] for details. Make sure that the following conditions are met:
* SEP sesam Server version ≥ 4.4.3. For the list of supported systems, see [[SEP sesam OS and Database Support Matrix]].
* For backups, SEP sesam [[SEP_sesam_Glossary#data_store|data store]] ''Path'' or ''Si3'' data store can be used. SEP sesam data store via UNC path is not supported. Volume must be visible as a local attached storage (not as a network drive letter). Only iSCSI, SAN and local connected drives can be used as a local attached storage.
*Two VMware data stores are required for VMware instant recovery.
* Backups must not be [[SEP_sesam_Glossary#encryption|'''encrypted''']] or [[SEP_sesam_Glossary#compression|'''compressed''']], and they must not be migrated to another media – only the original backup on SEP sesam data store can be used for restore.
* The system that stores the VMDK files to SEP sesam data store (either SEP sesam Server or SEP sesam RDS) must provide NFS (network file system) services. If the NFS service is on Windows, SEP recommends using Windows 2012(R2) for providing a higher level of NFS support.
*SEP sesam is using Storage vMotion for instant recover, which requires a special VMware license. Currently, two vSphere editions, Enterprise and Enterprise Plus, include Storage VMotion. VMware vCenter is also required.


==Preparing the NFS share==
<!--T:14-->
NFS (Network File System) is a client/server application that allows to share files across a network. You have to set up the NFS service on the SEP sesam Server or RDS System, which stores the VMDK files. The procedure for creating a NFS share depends on your SEP sesam Server/RDS operating sytem:
Before attempting to instantly recover you VM, all preparation steps have to be performed properly, including configuration and VM backup. Depending on your SEP sesam version, see the relevant [[Special:MyLanguage/VMware|VMware guide]] for details. Make sure that the following conditions are met:</translate>
*[[4_4_3:VMware_Single_File_Restore#NFS on Windows|NFS on Windows]]
* <translate><!--T:15-->
*[[4_4_3:VMware_Single_File_Restore#NFS on Linux|NFS on Linux]]
SEP sesam Server version ≥ 4.4.3. For the list of supported systems, see [[SEP sesam OS and Database Support Matrix]].</translate>
{{note|SEP sesam automatically creates a VMware data store to attach the VMDK file(s) to a virtual host.}}
* <translate><!--T:16-->
[[Image:VSphere SF Datastore en.jpg|600px|left|link=]]
SEP sesam [[Special:MyLanguage/SEP_sesam_Glossary#data_store|data store]] ''Path'' or ''Si3'' data store can be used for backups. SEP sesam data store via UNC path is not supported. Volume must be visible as a local attached storage (not as a network drive letter). Only iSCSI, SAN and local connected drives can be used as a local attached storage.</translate>
* <translate><!--T:17-->
Two VMware data stores are required for VMware instant recovery.</translate>
* <translate><!--T:18-->
Backups must not be [[Special:MyLanguage/SEP_sesam_Glossary#encryption|encrypted]] or [[Special:MyLanguage/SEP_sesam_Glossary#compression|compressed]], and they must not be migrated to another media – only the original backup on SEP sesam data store can be used for restore.</translate>
* <translate><!--T:19-->
The system that stores the VMDK files to SEP sesam data store (either SEP sesam Server or SEP sesam RDS) must provide NFS (network file system) services. If the NFS service is on Windows, SEP recommends using Windows 2012(R2) for providing a higher level of NFS support.</translate>
* <translate><!--T:20-->
SEP sesam is using Storage vMotion for instant recovery, which requires a special VMware license. Currently, two vSphere editions, Enterprise and Enterprise Plus, include Storage VMotion. VMware vCenter is also required.</translate>
 
<translate>==Preparing the NFS share== <!--T:21-->
 
<!--T:22-->
NFS (Network File System) is a client/server application that allows to share files across a network. You have to set up the NFS service on the SEP sesam Server or RDS System, which stores the VMDK files. The procedure for creating a NFS share depends on your SEP sesam Server/RDS operating system, and on the Windows systems also on the SEP sesam version:</translate>
*<translate><!--T:23-->
[[Special:MyLanguage/4_4_3:VMware_Instant_Recovery#Windows|NFS on Windows]]</translate>
*<translate><!--T:24-->
[[Special:MyLanguage/4_4_3:VMware_Instant_Recovery#Linux|NFS on Linux]]</translate>
{{<translate><!--T:25-->
note</translate>|<translate><!--T:26-->
SEP sesam automatically creates a VMware data store to attach the VMDK file(s) to a virtual host.</translate>}}
<translate><!--T:27-->
[[Image:VSphere SF Datastore en.jpg|700px|link=]]</translate>
<br clear=all>
<br clear=all>
====NFS on Windows====
<translate>===={{anchor|Windows}}NFS on Windows==== <!--T:28-->
SEP '''recommends using Windows 2012 (R2)''' for providing a higher level of NFS support. SEP sesam creates the required NFS share on Windows 2012 automatically (if the NFS share is not added, follow the procedure below to add it manually). '''On Windows 2008(R2), you have to set up the NFS share manually''':
 
<ol><li>Login to your SEP sesam Server or RDS which stores the VMDK files and for which you want to configure the NFS share.</li>
<!--T:29-->
<li>To install server for NFS services, execute the following command as administrator via ''Powershell version 2'' at {{Sesamroot|\bin\sesam}}: <tt>sm_installnfs.ps1</tt>. The installation starts automatically.</li>
Depending on your SEP sesam version, you may need to prepare the NFS share manually.</translate>
<li>Create the NFS share by using ''Server Manager'': Log on your SEP sesam Server or RDS as a member of the local Administrators group. Use Start menu to start ''servermanager.exe'' if it does not start automatically. Then click '''File Services''' ->  '''Share and Storage Management''' -> '''Provision Share''', and specify the following:
;<translate><!--T:30-->
[[File:NFS_Server_share.jpg|700px|left|link=]]
Tigon:V. 4.4.3 ''Tigon'' already includes the NFS server and does not require a regular NFS server provided by Windows. You can skip this step if you are using SEP sesam version > 4.4.3.</translate>
{{<translate><!--T:31-->
note</translate>|<translate><!--T:32-->
If you are using Tigon and Windows [[Special:MyLanguage/SEP_sesam_Glossary#RDS|RDS]], make sure that no other NFS server is running. If another NFS server is running, disable the service ''Server for NFS'' and restart the system.</translate>}}
 
;<translate><!--T:33-->
V. 4.4.3: For SEP sesam 4.4.3 with the NFS service on Windows, it is recommended to use Windows 2012 (R2) for providing a higher level of NFS support. SEP sesam creates the required '''NFS share on Windows 2012 automatically''' (if the NFS share is not added, follow the procedure below to add it manually). '''On Windows 2008(R2)''', you have to set up the '''NFS share manually''':</translate>
<ol><li><translate><!--T:34-->
Login to your SEP sesam Server or RDS which stores the VMDK files and for which you want to configure the NFS share.</translate></li>
<li><translate><!--T:35-->
To install server for NFS services, execute the following command as administrator via ''Powershell version 2'' at {{Sesamroot|\bin\sesam}}:</translate> <tt>sm_installnfs.ps1</tt>. <translate><!--T:36-->
The installation starts automatically.</translate></li>
<li><translate><!--T:37-->
Create the NFS share by using ''Server Manager'': Log on your SEP sesam Server or RDS as a member of the local Administrators group. Use Start menu to start ''servermanager.exe'' if it does not start automatically. Then click '''File Services''' ->  '''Share and Storage Management''' -> '''Provision Share''', and specify the following:</translate><br />
<translate><!--T:38-->
[[File:NFS_Server_share.jpg|700px|link=]]</translate>
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<br clear=all>
<ul><li>'''Shared Folder Location''': Browse for the path where the SEP sesam data store is located.
<ul><li><translate><!--T:39-->
{{note|The path of the NFS share must be the same as the path of the SEP sesam data store and the name of the NFS share must be the same as the name of the SEP sesam data store where the VMDK files are stored.}}
'''Shared Folder Location''': Browse for the path where the SEP sesam data store is located.</translate>
In our example, the name of the NFS share must be ''NFS-Store1'' and the path must be set to ''E:\nfs'' (see above data store screenshot). Click Next.</li>
{{<translate><!--T:40-->
<li>'''NTFS Permissions''': Leave default NTFS permissions. Click Next.</li>
note</translate>|<translate><!--T:41-->
<li>'''Share Protocols''': Select '''NFS''' and specify a name for the new share – the name of the SEP sesam data store, e.g. ''NFS-Store1''. Click Next.</li>
The path of the NFS share must be the same as the path of the SEP sesam data store and the name of the NFS share must be the same as the name of the SEP sesam data store where the VMDK files are stored.</translate>}}
<li>NFS Authentication: Leave default settings.</li>
<translate><!--T:42-->
<li>NFS Permissions: Change the ''Type of access'' to '''Read-Write''', and select the check box '''Allow root access'''. Click Next.</li>
In our example, the name of the NFS share must be ''NFS-Store1'' and the path must be set to ''E:\nfs'' (see above data store screenshot). Click '''Next'''.</translate></li>
<li>Confirmation: Review your configuration, and click '''Create''' to create the NFS file share.</li></ul></li>
<li><translate><!--T:43-->
<li>Once you created the share, right-click it and select '''Properties''', select the tab '''NFS Sharing''', and click on '''Manage NFS Sharing'''. In the '''NFS Advanced Sharing''' window, set the authentication for the NFS share: select option '''No server authentication''' with sub-option '''Enable unmapped user access''' and radio button '''Allow unmapped user access by UID/GID'''.</li>
'''NTFS Permissions''': Leave default NTFS permissions. Click Next.</translate></li>
[[Image:NFS_settings.jpg|left|link=]]
<li><translate><!--T:44-->
'''Share Protocols''': Select '''NFS''' and specify a name for the new share – the name of the SEP sesam data store, e.g. ''NFS-Store1''. Click '''Next'''.</translate></li>
<li><translate><!--T:45-->
NFS Authentication: Leave default settings.</translate></li>
<li><translate><!--T:46-->
NFS Permissions: Change the ''Type of access'' to '''Read-Write''', and select the check box '''Allow root access'''. Click '''Next'''.</translate></li>
<li><translate><!--T:47-->
Confirmation: Review your configuration, and click '''Create''' to create the NFS file share.</translate></li></ul></li>
<li><translate><!--T:48-->
Once you created the share, right-click it and select '''Properties''', select the tab '''NFS Sharing''', and click on '''Manage NFS Sharing'''. In the '''NFS Advanced Sharing''' window, set the authentication for the NFS share: select option '''No server authentication''' with sub-option '''Enable unmapped user access''' and radio button '''Allow unmapped user access by UID/GID'''.</translate></li>
<translate><!--T:49-->
[[Image:NFS_settings.jpg|link=]]</translate>
<br clear=all>
<br clear=all>
<li>Then click the '''Permissions''' button to open the ''NFS Share Permission'' dialog. Check that the ''Type of access'' is set to '''Read-Write''', and that the check box '''Allow root access''' is enabled to give the root user Administrative privileges. You can set the share permissions for all machines or just for the vCenter server.</li></ol>
<li><translate><!--T:50-->
Then click the '''Permissions''' button to open the ''NFS Share Permission'' dialog. Check that the ''Type of access'' is set to '''Read-Write''', and that the check box '''Allow root access''' is enabled to give the root user Administrative privileges. You can set the share permissions for all machines or just for the vCenter server.</translate></li></ol>
<translate><!--T:51-->
For more details on NFS configuration, see Microsoft article [https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd758767(v=ws.10).aspx Services for NFS – Step-by-Step Guide for Windows Server 2008 R2].
For more details on NFS configuration, see Microsoft article [https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd758767(v=ws.10).aspx Services for NFS – Step-by-Step Guide for Windows Server 2008 R2].


====NFS on Linux====
===={{anchor|Linux}}NFS on Linux==== <!--T:52-->
This section provides only basic information for configuring NFS on Linux. For more information, see relevant Linux documentation. You can also check the article [https://linuxconfig.org/how-to-configure-nfs-on-linux How to configure NFS on Linux].
 
* NFS v3 server must be installed and NFS service must run.  
<!--T:53-->
* Exports will be created dynamically during restore by SEP sesam. Note that exports can also be created manually by editing <tt>/etc/exports</tt> file. Exported path has to match location of SEP sesam data store or any of its parent directories on the same file system.
This section provides only basic information for configuring NFS on Linux. For more information, see relevant Linux documentation. You can also check the article [https://linuxconfig.org/how-to-configure-nfs-on-linux How to configure NFS on Linux].</translate>
* All ESX servers must be allowed to mount the directory.
* <translate><!--T:54-->
* Read/Write permission should be set.
NFS v3 server must be installed and NFS service must run. </translate>
* <translate><!--T:55-->
Exports will be created dynamically during restore by SEP sesam. Note that exports can also be created manually by editing <tt>/etc/exports</tt> file. Exported path has to match location of SEP sesam data store or any of its parent directories on the same file system.</translate>
* <translate><!--T:56-->
All ESX servers must be allowed to mount the directory.</translate>
* <translate><!--T:57-->
Read/Write permission should be set.
 
==Starting instant recovery== <!--T:58-->


==Starting instant recovery==
<!--T:59-->
Use the restore wizard to instantly start a VM directly from your save set.
Use the restore wizard to instantly start a VM directly from your save set.</translate>
<ol><li>From the SEP sesam GUI menu bar, select '''Activities -> Restore'''. The ''New restore task'' window opens.</li>
<ol><li><translate><!--T:60-->
<li>Select what you want to restore. You can search save sets by ''task name'' or by ''filename or path''.
From the SEP sesam GUI menu bar, select '''Activities''' -> '''Restore'''. The ''New restore task'' window opens.</translate></li>
* When searching by ''task name'', use the drop-down list of available tasks and select the one you want to restore from. This option is selected by default.
<li><translate><!--T:61-->
* If you are searching by filename/path, select the option '''Filename or path in save set''' and enter your search expression in the search pattern field.</li>
Select what you want to restore. You can search save sets by ''task name'' or by ''filename or path''.</translate>
<li>Under the '''Saved in period''' drop-down lists, specify the time frame for which you want to conduct the search. Click '''Next'''.</li>
* <translate><!--T:62-->
<li>The search results are displayed. From the list of save sets matching your query, select the version from which you want to restore an individual file. Under the list, the following options indicates that instant recovery can be performed but must stay unselected: '''Attach virtual disk(s) (VMDK) to a Proxy-VM via NFS server'''  and '''Mount virtual disk(s) via VMware API'''. Again, leave the options unselected.  If the options are not shown, check the [[4_4_3:VMware_Instant_Recovery#Prerequisites|Prerequisites]]. Click '''Next'''.</li>
When searching by ''task name'', use the drop-down list of available tasks and select the one you want to restore from. This option is selected by default.</translate>
[[Image:VSphere SF attach mount 4.4 en.jpg|600px|left|link=]]
* <translate><!--T:63-->
If you are searching by filename/path, select the option '''Filename or path in save set''' and enter your search expression in the search pattern field.</translate></li>
<li><translate><!--T:64-->
Under the '''Saved in period''' drop-down lists, specify the time frame for which you want to conduct the search. Click '''Next'''.</translate></li>
<li><translate><!--T:65-->
The search results are displayed. From the list of save sets matching your query, select the version from which you want to restore an individual file. Under the list, the following options indicates that instant recovery can be performed but must stay unselected: '''Attach virtual disk(s) (VMDK) to a Proxy-VM via NFS server'''  and '''Mount virtual disk(s) via VMware API'''. Again, leave the options unselected.  If the options are not shown, check the [[Special:MyLanguage/4_4_3:VMware_Instant_Recovery#Prerequisites|Prerequisites]]. Click '''Next'''.</translate></li>
<translate><!--T:66-->
[[Image:VSphere SF attach mount 4.4 en.jpg|700px|link=]]</translate>
<br clear=all>
<br clear=all>
<li>On the page '''Select Files'''  select the VM you want to recover and click '''Next'''.
<li><translate><!--T:67-->
<li>On the '''Save and Start''' page, specify the new VM name (if necessary), then specify the target VMware data store, where the VM will run once instant recovery is finished. In our example, the name of the VM will be ''slc-dc01-2.sep.de'' and the target VMware data store is ''EternusSAN1''. Then click the button '''Instant Recovery / Restore VM Options'''. A new window ''Instant recovery'' is shown.
On the '''Save and Start''' page, specify the new VM name (if necessary), then specify the target VMware data store, where the VM will run once instant recovery is finished. In our example, the name of the VM will be ''slc-dc01-2.sep.de'' and the target VMware data store is ''EternusSAN1''. Then click the button '''Instant Recovery / Restore VM Options'''. A new window ''Instant recovery'' is shown.</translate></li>
[[Image:VSphere IR restore options 4.4 en.jpg|600px|left|link=]]
<translate><!--T:68-->
[[Image:VSphere IR restore options 4.4 en.jpg|700px|link=]]</translate>
<br clear=all>
<br clear=all>
<li>At the bowttom of the dialog, select the option Instant Recovery. Then select the temporary VM data store from the drop-down list. In our example, the temporary store is ''esxramfix-local''. Click  '''Start''' to perform VM instant recovery.</li>
<li><translate><!--T:69-->
[[Image:VSphere IR restore options 4.4 en.jpg|600px|left|link=]]
At the bottom of the dialog, select the option Instant Recovery. Then select the temporary VM data store from the drop-down list. In our example, the temporary store is ''esxramfix-local''. Click  '''Start''' to perform VM instant recovery.</translate></li>
<translate><!--T:70-->
[[Image:VSphere IR restore vm options 4.4 en.jpg|700px|link=]]</translate>
<br clear=all></ol>
<br clear=all></ol>
 
<translate>
==See also==
<div class="noprint">
 
==See also== <!--T:71-->
[[VMware Backup]] – [[VMware Restore]] – [[VMware Single File Restore]] – [[Scheduling Restore]] – [[Troubleshooting_Guide#VMware_vStorage_API|Troubleshooting]]
[[Special:MyLanguage/4_4_3_Tigon:VMware_Single_File_Restore_and_Instant_Recovery_Support_Matrix|SF & IR support matrix (latest)]] – [[Special:MyLanguage/4_4_3:VMware_Single_File_Restore_and_Instant_Recovery_Support_Matrix|SF & IR support matrix 4.4.3]] – [[Special:MyLanguage/4_4_3:VMware_Requirements_%26_Restrictions|VMware Requirements & Restrictions]]  – [[Special:MyLanguage/4_4_3_Tigon:VMware Backup|VMware Backup (latest)]] – [[Special:MyLanguage/4_4_3:VMware Backup|VMware Backup 4.4.3]] – [[Special:MyLanguage/4_4_3:VMware Single File Restore|VMware Single File Restore]] – [[Special:MyLanguage/4_4_3:VMware Restore|VMware Restore]] – [[Special:MyLanguage/Scheduling Restore|Scheduling Restore]] – [[Special:MyLanguage/Troubleshooting_Guide#VMware_vStorage_API|Troubleshooting]]</div></translate>

Revision as of 11:32, 1 August 2019

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Copyright © SEP AG 1999-2024. All rights reserved.

Any form of reproduction of the contents or parts of this manual is allowed only with the express written permission from SEP AG. When compiling and designing user documentation SEP AG uses great diligence and attempts to deliver accurate and correct information. However, SEP AG cannot issue a guarantee for the contents of this manual.

Docs latest icon.png Welcome to the latest SEP sesam documentation version 4.4.3/4.4.3 Beefalo. For previous documentation version(s), check VMware archive.


Overview

As of version 4.4.3, SEP sesam provides simple and flexible instant recovery for VMware based on almost any level of VMware backup, including differential and incremental. Hence, it is no longer required to use the dedicated GUI option VM single file and instant recovery during backup. To learn what applies to SF and IR, which backup level supports it and how it relates to the disk size usage, see SF & IR support matrix for the version you are using: Tigon or version 4.4.3.

SEP sesam VMware instant recovery enables you to power on a virtual machine without having to wait to first restore it. This means that your VMware data is instantly accessible from your backup source. SEP sesam uses VMware's Storage vMotion to relocate your VM. You are guided through the procedure by using a restore wizard.

Prerequisites

Before attempting to instantly recover you VM, all preparation steps have to be performed properly, including configuration and VM backup. Depending on your SEP sesam version, see the relevant VMware guide for details. Make sure that the following conditions are met:

  • SEP sesam Server version ≥ 4.4.3. For the list of supported systems, see SEP sesam OS and Database Support Matrix.
  • SEP sesam data store Path or Si3 data store can be used for backups. SEP sesam data store via UNC path is not supported. Volume must be visible as a local attached storage (not as a network drive letter). Only iSCSI, SAN and local connected drives can be used as a local attached storage.
  • Two VMware data stores are required for VMware instant recovery.
  • Backups must not be encrypted or compressed, and they must not be migrated to another media – only the original backup on SEP sesam data store can be used for restore.
  • The system that stores the VMDK files to SEP sesam data store (either SEP sesam Server or SEP sesam RDS) must provide NFS (network file system) services. If the NFS service is on Windows, SEP recommends using Windows 2012(R2) for providing a higher level of NFS support.
  • SEP sesam is using Storage vMotion for instant recovery, which requires a special VMware license. Currently, two vSphere editions, Enterprise and Enterprise Plus, include Storage VMotion. VMware vCenter is also required.

Preparing the NFS share

NFS (Network File System) is a client/server application that allows to share files across a network. You have to set up the NFS service on the SEP sesam Server or RDS System, which stores the VMDK files. The procedure for creating a NFS share depends on your SEP sesam Server/RDS operating system, and on the Windows systems also on the SEP sesam version:

Information sign.png Note
SEP sesam automatically creates a VMware data store to attach the VMDK file(s) to a virtual host.

VSphere SF Datastore en.jpg

NFS on Windows

Depending on your SEP sesam version, you may need to prepare the NFS share manually.

Tigon
V. 4.4.3 Tigon already includes the NFS server and does not require a regular NFS server provided by Windows. You can skip this step if you are using SEP sesam version > 4.4.3.
Information sign.png Note
If you are using Tigon and Windows RDS, make sure that no other NFS server is running. If another NFS server is running, disable the service Server for NFS and restart the system.
V. 4.4.3
For SEP sesam 4.4.3 with the NFS service on Windows, it is recommended to use Windows 2012 (R2) for providing a higher level of NFS support. SEP sesam creates the required NFS share on Windows 2012 automatically (if the NFS share is not added, follow the procedure below to add it manually). On Windows 2008(R2), you have to set up the NFS share manually:
  1. Login to your SEP sesam Server or RDS which stores the VMDK files and for which you want to configure the NFS share.
  2. To install server for NFS services, execute the following command as administrator via Powershell version 2 at <SESAM_ROOT>\bin\sesam: sm_installnfs.ps1. The installation starts automatically.
  3. Create the NFS share by using Server Manager: Log on your SEP sesam Server or RDS as a member of the local Administrators group. Use Start menu to start servermanager.exe if it does not start automatically. Then click File Services -> Share and Storage Management -> Provision Share, and specify the following:
    NFS Server share.jpg
    • Shared Folder Location: Browse for the path where the SEP sesam data store is located.
      Information sign.png Note
      The path of the NFS share must be the same as the path of the SEP sesam data store and the name of the NFS share must be the same as the name of the SEP sesam data store where the VMDK files are stored.
      In our example, the name of the NFS share must be NFS-Store1 and the path must be set to E:\nfs (see above data store screenshot). Click Next.
    • NTFS Permissions: Leave default NTFS permissions. Click Next.
    • Share Protocols: Select NFS and specify a name for the new share – the name of the SEP sesam data store, e.g. NFS-Store1. Click Next.
    • NFS Authentication: Leave default settings.
    • NFS Permissions: Change the Type of access to Read-Write, and select the check box Allow root access. Click Next.
    • Confirmation: Review your configuration, and click Create to create the NFS file share.
  4. Once you created the share, right-click it and select Properties, select the tab NFS Sharing, and click on Manage NFS Sharing. In the NFS Advanced Sharing window, set the authentication for the NFS share: select option No server authentication with sub-option Enable unmapped user access and radio button Allow unmapped user access by UID/GID.
  5. NFS settings.jpg
  6. Then click the Permissions button to open the NFS Share Permission dialog. Check that the Type of access is set to Read-Write, and that the check box Allow root access is enabled to give the root user Administrative privileges. You can set the share permissions for all machines or just for the vCenter server.

For more details on NFS configuration, see Microsoft article Services for NFS – Step-by-Step Guide for Windows Server 2008 R2.

NFS on Linux

This section provides only basic information for configuring NFS on Linux. For more information, see relevant Linux documentation. You can also check the article How to configure NFS on Linux.

  • NFS v3 server must be installed and NFS service must run.
  • Exports will be created dynamically during restore by SEP sesam. Note that exports can also be created manually by editing /etc/exports file. Exported path has to match location of SEP sesam data store or any of its parent directories on the same file system.
  • All ESX servers must be allowed to mount the directory.
  • Read/Write permission should be set.

Starting instant recovery

Use the restore wizard to instantly start a VM directly from your save set.

  1. From the SEP sesam GUI menu bar, select Activities -> Restore. The New restore task window opens.
  2. Select what you want to restore. You can search save sets by task name or by filename or path.
    • When searching by task name, use the drop-down list of available tasks and select the one you want to restore from. This option is selected by default.
    • If you are searching by filename/path, select the option Filename or path in save set and enter your search expression in the search pattern field.
  3. Under the Saved in period drop-down lists, specify the time frame for which you want to conduct the search. Click Next.
  4. The search results are displayed. From the list of save sets matching your query, select the version from which you want to restore an individual file. Under the list, the following options indicates that instant recovery can be performed but must stay unselected: Attach virtual disk(s) (VMDK) to a Proxy-VM via NFS server and Mount virtual disk(s) via VMware API. Again, leave the options unselected. If the options are not shown, check the Prerequisites. Click Next.
  5. VSphere SF attach mount 4.4 en.jpg
  6. On the Save and Start page, specify the new VM name (if necessary), then specify the target VMware data store, where the VM will run once instant recovery is finished. In our example, the name of the VM will be slc-dc01-2.sep.de and the target VMware data store is EternusSAN1. Then click the button Instant Recovery / Restore VM Options. A new window Instant recovery is shown.
  7. VSphere IR restore options 4.4 en.jpg
  8. At the bottom of the dialog, select the option Instant Recovery. Then select the temporary VM data store from the drop-down list. In our example, the temporary store is esxramfix-local. Click Start to perform VM instant recovery.
  9. VSphere IR restore vm options 4.4 en.jpg