How to Back up Linux VMs on Hyper-V

[rossxu]

Backing up VMs through Hyper-V is using either VSS or WMI, and neither is working for Linux VMs.

So, it seems to turn out there is no way to back up Linux VMs over Hyper-V.

However, on the NetBackup Hyper-V backup document, it talks about backing up Linux VMs in saved mode or non-consistant way. I don't know why it could work at all. No matter what kind option I choose when creating a policy for backing up Linux VM, it always gets snapshot Error 156 which is very normal.

Why does not Veritas simply claim that it is imporssbile to back up Linux VMs over Hyper-V?

Anyway, what's the best practice to back up Linux VMs on Hyper-V?

Thanks in advance,

Ross

[Michael_G_Ander]

On Hyper-V 2012R2, you have the option to use Linux Integration service for certain Linux variants. Do know if there is similar for 2016. You might have to upgrade the Linux Integration service, if you Linux kernel already have one installed.

There are some caveats, like you cannot do any pre-freeze/post-thaw scripts for applications on the Linux machine.

But single file restore seemed to work, at least for the linux version I tested on.

Do be aware this not something Veritas supports as far as I know.

[Thiago_Ribeiro]

Hi,

Didi you already check these TNs? If not, take a look.

Microsoft

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd252619(v=WS.10).aspx - Planning for Backup

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc794868(v=ws.10).aspx - About Virtual Machines and Guest Operating Systems

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn743675(v=ws.10).aspx - Linux Virtual Machines on Hyper-V

Veritas

https://www.veritas.com/support/en_US/article.000121537 - Notes on Linux virtual machines

Regards,

Thiago Ribeiro