Backup and Restore VMware ESXi Virtual Machine to a New Host

How to backup VMware ESXi virtual machine without Vcenter to be restored in case of a server failure to a new host or just save the files for back up.

Backup VMware ESXi Virtual Machine

1. Select the Host IP → Configuration tab → Right click datastore → Browse Datastore

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2. Select the folder containing the VM. In this case I’ll be backing up FreeNAS.

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3. Once selected, click on the download folder icon and select a network location. I’ll be backing up to a network folder called EXSi Backup.

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4. Make sure that the destination location have enough space for the Virtual Machine. Click OK. You’ll get a pop up warning letting you know that if the destination location has a folder with the same name it will be over written with this one.

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5. Click yes to start the backup. The backup can take over an hour so go grab a cup of coffee until its done.

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5. Once done, you have successfully backed up your ESXi VM. If something ever happens to your host you can easily re-upload it to a new host.

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If you want to confirm the back up just navigate to the backup destination location and it should contain the exact same files located in the datastore folder.

Restore VMware ESXi Virtual Machine

1. Select the Host IP → Configuration tab → Right click datastore → Browse Datastore

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2. Select the root folder → Upload Folder icon → Upload Folder.

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3. Navigate to the backup location and select the VM folder. Click on OK.

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4. You’ll get a pop up warning letting you know that if the destination location contains a folder with the same name it will be over written with this one.

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5. Click Yes button to restore. The restore process can take over an hour so go grab some coffee until its done.

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6. Once the folder has fully restored, locate the VMX file, right click it and select Add to Inventory.

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7. The add to inventory wizard will come up, here rename the VM if applicable if not then leave the same name.

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8. Select the datastore.

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9. Review changes and click on finish.

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10. Your VM will be added underneath the Host.

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11. Now power on the VM you’ll be prompted with Virtual Machine Question window:

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12. Here select I moved it in case you actually moved it or upload it to a new host. If you re-upload it to the same Host then select I Copied it.

Video Tutorial:

Miguel

I started this tech blog back in 2011 as a place to write down processes I took to fix my client systems and network. Now I write some tips and tricks to help others with the tech issues that one might encounter.

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