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Pontus Ankarbåge's avatar
Pontus Ankarbåge
Copper Contributor
May 29, 2017

Hyper-V guest Backup in VSS

Hi folks   Backing up a VMGuest a Windows 2016 server (latest greatest) by using the VSS function. I use a 3rd part product called Veritas Netbackup, spoken to them they are clear that this is not ...
ErwinvanDijk's avatar
ErwinvanDijk
Brass Contributor

Hi Pontus,

 

What happens if you try to make a production checkpoint from the Hyper-V Manager? Check settings on the VM what kind of checkpoint is made.

 

Do you get an error when creating the checkpoint?

 

Regards,

 

Erwin

Pontus Ankarbåge's avatar
Pontus Ankarbåge
Copper Contributor
May 30, 2017

Hi there mr Ervin Van Dijik

 

Thanx for answer.

I have made the checkpoint from the hyper-v-manager. The checkpoints was created fine..

But it was a less than 10sek frezze of the VM, when it were creating the checkpoint. And i saw the % build of the checkpoint. It release the freeze mode around 85% done of the checkpoint. 

 

I couldnt see any error creating the checkpoint. 

 

How can i see "what kind of checkpoint is made"? in hyper-v Manager?

 

regards Pontus 

  • ErwinvanDijk's avatar
    ErwinvanDijk
    Brass Contributor
    May 30, 2017

    Hi Puntos,

     

    You can check it in the Hyper-V manager, go to the settings of the VM and go to Management - Checkpoints. Check also under Management the Integration Services, is the option Backup (volume shadow copy) checked? If this is checked (the default) then the VM is using VSS to create a checkpoint. If you want a "freeze" of the VM (paused state) then you must uncheck it. But personally, I think it’s better to use the VSS option.

     

    Regard,

     

    Erwin

    • Pontus Ankarbåge's avatar
      Pontus Ankarbåge
      Copper Contributor
      May 30, 2017

      Hi Erwin,

       

      Thx for the quick reply ;). The option "backup" under vss is checked.. read about a bug that it could be unchecked and checked again for it to take. (tried that) It freeze the machine so I dont think it useses the Backupoption even if its checked. Thx for the guidance. 

       

       

       

       

      • ErwinvanDijk's avatar
        ErwinvanDijk
        Brass Contributor
        May 30, 2017

        Hi Puntos,

         

        Did you restart the Hyper-V Volume Shadow Copy Requestor (vmicvss) after the turn off/on off Backup?

        You can check the Application eventlog for the Task Category ShadowCopy events 2001, 2003 and 2006, or maybe you see errors there?

        A test to be sure if VSS is the one who stops your backup from working is the following:

        • Stop the Hyper-V Volume Shadow Copy Requestor (vmicvss) service on the VM
        • Create a backup

        Be aware that this procedure will pause your VM during the backup! So don’t do this in production time!

         

        Hope this helps you further, if VSS is working I would suggest to consult with your backup vendor again.

         

        Regard,

         

        Erwin

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