VMware backup - question on powered down guests

[Lynne_Seamans]

  This might be a silly question, but it's one I was asked by our VMware admin today and didn't know how to ask, and haven't been very successful searching for answers. 

   We're on NetBackup 7.5, with a 5200 appliance (not yet updated to 7.5) as our only media server, if it matters.  Also, ESX 4.1  -- also if that matters.

   Had backup of virtual machine failed with a 13, reported it to vmware guy..  it was powered down.  OK, I'm thinking that explains it, but he asked, 'Hey, a virtual machine is really only disk files, so why does it have to be "turned on" to back it up?'  and then contended there must be an option to backup powered down virtual machines. 

  thanks for any info. 

[Omar_Villa]

If you are using the automated selecion or Query Builder option by default netbackup will ignore any offline or template VM. check the guide http://www.symantec.com/business/support/index?page=content&id=DOC5162 page 73

[Marianne · Accepted solution]

The problem is supposed to be fixed with 7.1.0.3: http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH171844

Which server is used as backup host? What is NBU version on backup host? Please ensure backup host is on also on 7.5 or at least on 7.1.0.3.

[Lynne_Seamans]

AH, that's it!  My media server is a 5200 appliance, and It was at 7.1.0.2 ..  just downloading update now.

THANK YOU !!

[thesanman]

Based on my experience it doesn't ignore templates or powered down VMs; however you can setup the query to ignore them easily enough.  e.g. you can't use SAN transport or for that matter; perform a differential backup against a template so it's best to exclude templates from your normal full/differentialbackups and run a specific policy for templates only.