Look for the fastest way to restore VMDK from backup file.

[michaelyou]

Hi ,
I need to restore VMDK file from specific restore point and look for the fastest way.
The VMDK is 2 TB with thin-provision (actual usage size of VMDK is 1 TB)

1. I tried to restore virtual disk file from the B&R console , but it says will power off the VM during restore...(However we cannot power off the production VM , I don't know why this restore feature need power off VM ? It just "extract" VMDK file from the VBK & VIB file)
2. I tried to using Instant Recovery to restore VM and browse the data store from vSphere client , however the VMDK is not actual size.
3. Finally I using Extract Utility to "extract" VMDK from VIB file. but it is extremely slowly. It take 10 Hours to completed for 2 TB data. (However my storage performance is good) and there are no "progress bar" or "progress percent" for the Veeam Extract Utility , it only support command mode. (Show the progress bar is basic function for the utility)

So I am looking for the fastest method to restore VMDK from specific restore point.
Could you please help to clarify it ?
Thank you in advanced.

[Stiddy1979]

From the console, restore, restore from backup, Guest files restore, server type, the appropriate backup job, the appropriate restore point. You should be able to view the files from the backup job and restore them.

[foggy]

Hi Michael, please look at the Instand VM Disk Recovery functionality. Thanks!

[Andreas Neufert]

Hi... in addition to the Instant restore method there is as well a change block tracking based normal VM disk restore. It will revert changes since last backup.

[michaelyou]

Hi Stiddy1979
Thank you very much for your reply.
Actually we need to restore natvie virtual disk from the backup.

Hi foggy
Thank you very much for your reply.
We are using version 9.5U4 on production currently.
Should I upgraade to version 11 to use Instant Virtual Disk Recovery ?
Our support ID is 02257361 and can be upgarde for free from v9 to v11 right ?

Hi Andreas Neufert
Thank you very much for your remind.
Since implementing Veeam in 2016, we have used the REFS file system for our production storage
In order to support CBT for faster backup performance.
Is there are any addition advice for this ?

[Andreas Neufert]

CBT based volume restore works independently of the used filesystem.

Yes, you need to update your software as most of the features discussed above came with later versions.

[foggy]

Should I upgraade to version 11 to use Instant Virtual Disk Recovery ?
Our support ID is 02257361 and can be upgarde for free from v9 to v11 right ?

Instant VM Disk Recovery was introduced in v10, with active maintenance you are eligible for the upgrade.

[michaelyou]

Hi Andreas ,

Sorry I am not sure whether understanding what do you means.
Do you mind to provide some article or instruction regarding "CBT based volume restore works independently of the used filesystem." ? Thank you very much.

Hi Foggy ,

I got it.
Thank you very much for confirmation.
I will planned to upgrade our Veeam production from 9.5 to 11.

[Andreas Neufert]

CBT based restore is as well called Quick Rollback and works for Volume Restore and VM restore.
Based on VMware Change Block Tracking - CBT, it will revert all data on block disk level back to the time of the restore point.
https://helpcenter.veeam.com/docs/backu ... ml?ver=110

It works independantly from any filesystem or operating system as it works on the VM level within VMware.

[michaelyou]

Hi All ,

Thank you so much for your kind help.
i has been upgrade production Veeam Server from 9.5 to 11 completed and successfully.
I will try the feature you are provided. Appreciated!

[jamcool]

hopefully I am not repeating something somebody already posted but what about a "virtual disk" restore in Enterprise Manager? You can restore a disk and map it to server (not tried same server but do not know why would not work). If you click on machines tab across the top in Enterprise Manager, select your server and then virtual disk. We actually gave this rights to non admins who wanted the ability to do files restore. They would do the virtual disk, get what they needed and then tell us when we can get rid of the restored disk. That way not getting a call in middle of night or over weekend. .

[thomas.biesmans]

1. I tried to restore virtual disk file from the B&R console , but it says will power off the VM during restore...(However we cannot power off the production VM , I don't know why this restore feature need power off VM ? It just "extract" VMDK file from the VBK & VIB file)

All VM / disk-type restores do an in-place restore by default, overwriting the current VM / disk. You have to specifically select the option for a different location, i.e. out-of-place to have a VM / disk restored next to the existing ones. Look at https://helpcenter.veeam.com/docs/backu ... ml?ver=110 on where to configure this.

Quick rollback is always for in-place restores only as far as I'm aware.

During the virtual disk restore, Veeam Backup & Replication turns off the target VM to reconfigure its settings and attach restored disks. It is recommended that you stop all activities on the target VM for the restore period.

Virtual Disk restores are always performed with a power off for the target VM, dixit the link above's "Before you begin" chapter.

[michaelyou]

Hi jamcool

Thank you for your reply.
Yes Enterprise Manager is convenient features for non-admin to restore file but from my case I need restore entire VM DISK file. ^_^

Hi thomas.biesmans

Thank you for your remind and let me know we can change the location from Map Disk screen. ^_^