Move VMs to different Backup Job VBR12.1

[slackhouse]

I'm running VBR 12.1.1.56. I have multiple backup jobs that have Windows and Linux VMs. I want to move the Linux VMs to their own backup job so that I can have different settings for those VM backups than the Windows VMs. I am currently using per-machine backup files. What are the steps to move these Linux VMs to a different job without losing existing backup data?

[Mildur]

Hi Jeremy

You can use our "Backup Move" feature to move your VM to a different jobs:
https://helpcenter.veeam.com/docs/backu ... ml?ver=120

Make sure that the target job has the correct retention. The moved backup files will be removed accordingly to the specified retention of the target job.

Best,
Fabian

[slackhouse]

So, it looks like you can only move individual workloads if you have the per-machine backup files setting with separate metadata files for each workload. According to the documentation, it looks like the "separate metadata files for each workload" occurs when you create a new backup repository after upgrading to VBR 12. Is there a way to convert existing backup repositories created prior to VBR 12 to this new "separate metadata files for each workload" settings?

[Mildur]

Hi Jeremy

Yes, you can "Upgrade" your backup chains to the new format with "separate metadata file per machine":
https://helpcenter.veeam.com/docs/backu ... ml?ver=120

Best,
Fabian

[slackhouse]

Thanks for that link. Is there any way to estimate the length of time this takes since it disables the job while it is upgrading the backup chain format?

[Mildur]

Hi Jeremy

It depends on different factors, we see normally update times from 10-60 seconds per workload.
I suggest to run the upgrade on a single job first to see how long it will take you to run the chain upgrade.

If you can, please share with me the amount of VMs and time to upgrade the backup chains.
You can also send me the feedback in a private message here in the forum.

Best,
Fabian

[slackhouse]

Nevermind. It only took a minute per job to upgrade the backup chain format.