VM backup with the "file recovery" option, and GPT partitions
Hi all,
In NetBackup, the feature "Enable file recovery from VM backup" is equivalent to Backup Exec's GRT backup and restore (Granular Recovery Technology).
With this technology, basically you get to backup a VM as a whole, then it lets you restore it back either as a whole VM, or (if you want) just selectively restore individual files, individual Exchange mails, individual SQL DBs, individual Sharepoint objects and individual AD objects.
With Backup Exec 2010 it is confirmed that GRT is NOT supported for GPT partitions inside VMs. GRT only works with MBR patitions.
I couldn't find any official documentation anywhere about whether this has been "fixed" in Backup Exec 2012.
With Netbackup. I also couldn't find any information regarding the following, but would appreciate if anyone could point me to some answers.
In Netbackup 7.0.x and 7.1.x, let's say a VM's OS uses GPT partitions, and that the VM is backed up as a whole (using the policy type VMware):
- Can normal flat files be individual restored?
- Can MS SQL DBs be individual restored?
- Can Exchange items be individual restored? (Answer is No: http://www.symantec.com/business/support/index?page=content&id=HOWTO72087)
- Can AD items be individual restored?
- Can Sharepoint items be individual restored?
- What about System State/Shadow Copy Components?
- Are things the same in Netbackup 7.5?
Please share if you have more information regarding the combination of VM, GPT partitions and GRT (Granular Recovery Technology).
Thank you,
RLeon
Check VMware documents listed below. VDDK does not support GPT.
http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1003793
http://www.vmware.com/support/developer/vddk/VDDK-500-ReleaseNotes.html