Recovery media: whatever happened to create bootable USB disk?

[cosmik]

I can recall that the free agent allowed the creation of bootable USB hard disks up to point. Tried a new free agent installation and the option is gone. Why is that? That was a hugely useful function: two partitions on the USB device, one for the boot files, one for the backup storage.

So:

1) Has this functionality gone? If that's the case, please do consider bringing it back again! For now, can a boot USB created easily from the ISO?

2) Unfortunately, it was hindered AFAIK by the fact that newer Veeam versions re-required the creation of boot media, which, in turn, necessitated the format of the USB device (which obviously contained the backup files). Couldn't this be modified to replace ONLY the boot loader, leaving the data intact?

[Mildur]

Hi Michael

The option to select a "removable storage device" is still available. I suspect your USB device is not being detected as "bootable." Could you let me know what kind of device you are using?

2) Unfortunately, it was hindered AFAIK by the fact that newer Veeam versions re-required the creation of boot media, which, in turn, necessitated the format of the USB device (which obviously contained the backup files). Couldn't this be modified to replace ONLY the boot loader, leaving the data intact?

USB sticks with 4-8GB capacity are inexpensive. Is there a specific reason why using a dedicated USB stick for the recovery media is not an option?

Best,
Fabian

[cosmik]

Hey Fabian,

it seems that I misjudged something. This is a 3 disk setup, data for backup are in the first two. I considered I could use the 3rd disk as the destination, as kind of bootable disk (a la USB). Which is obviously not supported...

With regard to (2) is this functionality supported, or is it a planned feature?

[Mildur]

Hi Michael,

Got you.

With regard to (2) is this functionality supported, or is it a planned feature?

This functionality is not supported out of the box. You might be able to create a Recovery Media ISO and use third-party tools to repartition your USB disk/stick and clone the ISO into a bootable partition. However, I’m not aware of specific tools for this, nor can I guarantee that it will work.

As for the roadmap: no, this is not a planned feature. So far, no other customers have requested this, and using a dedicated USB stick for the recovery media is not a huge challenge.

Best regards,
Fabian

[cosmik]

Thx for the info Fabian! Always nice to hear from you

[Mildur]

You're welcome. Same

Best,
Fabian

[Gustav]

This is our Media Creation Guide

Drive V is the drive for backups and ISO recovery files[/i].
Drive A and B are the boot and recovery drives (partitions on the USB drive (external 2½" harddisk):

Code: Select all

Veeam Backup & Replication Console
==================================

	Open Veeam Backup & Replication Console

	Left pane:
	----------------------------------
	Select Home
	Select Backups

	Right pane:
	----------------------------------
	Unfold Job Name:

		> HOSTNAME System	
			hostname.domain.local

	Right-click	hostname.domain.local
	Select in popup menu:	Create Recovery Media ...

	Specify Image Path (filename is ready):
		V:\Recovery\VeeamRecoveryMedia_hostname_domain_local.iso

	Finish the wizard.

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Copy Veeam Recovery Media ISO file
==================================

	Copy V:\Recovery to B:\Recovery

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Update VEEAMRE boot partition (A:)
on external USB boot drive
==================================

	Open V:\Recovery\VeeamRecoveryMedia_hostname_domain_local.iso
	The ISO file opens as: 
		DVD Drive (E:) VEEAMRE

	Copy E:\sources\boot.wim to A:\sources

	Eject DVD Drive (E:)

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