Method to save esxi 7 configuration when OS disks have failed.

[mattladewig]

We have an ESXi 7 host that has two failed OS disks, which are the only ones. The host is still running from memory without any issues. All NSX/VSAN/vMotion functionality works as expected, and guest VMs are unaffected.

The issue is if this host is shut down, it will need to be rebuilt from scratch. We have tried to back it up using PowerCLI host backup, but it does not complete as it seems to require local storage as part of the backup process.

Is anyone aware of a method to back up an ESXi host's running configuration when all OS disks have failed? Obviously, this should have been done before the failure, but that's not where we're at now with this host.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Matt

[ggathagan]

There are a LOT of variables involved here.
Does the host allow hot-adding disks?
If so, I think it would it be possible to add local storage.
Whether ESXi would allow the use of the new storage is a different matter, but it's worth looking into it.

Is it feasible to migrate the VMs to another ESXi host, even temporarily, the rebuild this host from scratch?
If so, this might be the quickest solution.
It would require rebuilding from scratch, but you wouldn't lose any of the VMs whilst doing the rebuild.

Regards,
Grant

[jvansickler]

I found this Nakivo article: 4 Ways to Back Up the ESXi Host Configuration

If it Is possible to add an external USB device, this virten.de post may help.

I've backed up my ESXi config file from another host on my network, so your PowerCLI command may need some tweaking. See Method 3 in the Nakivo article for backup & restore.

Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

[goldeneye_007]

I think I would take the time and build up a new server then vMotion everything off of the errant box.

You can then rebuild that box and have it as a spare or retire it. Personally I wouldn't start messing

around with hot adding disks, if you encounter some sort of bug or scenario that causes a system halt

then you are done. What are you using to back up the VM's? I would certainly make sure I have a good one.