VMware

VMware Consolidated Backup 1.0.3 Release Notes

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VMware Consolidated Backup 1.0.3 | 07/31/2007 | Build 51389

NOTE: Please read the Installation Notes before downloading and installing this software. VMware Consolidated Backup (VCB) 1.0.3 is compatible with VirtualCenter 2.0.2 and ESX Server 3.0.2 (or newer) only. This release is not supported if used with older version of ESX Server and VirtualCenter. VirtualCenter 2.0.2 and ESX Server 3.0.2 enables new feature support, including iSCSI, and introduced several bugs fixes related to VCB compatibility.

What's in the Release Notes

The release notes cover the following topics:

What's New

This release of VMware Consolidated Backup (VCB) version 1.0.3, offers the following improvements:
  • Support for iSCSI Storage
    VMware Consolidated Backup now supports iSCSI storage in addition to Fibre Channel storage. Virtual machines residing on any iSCSI arrays listed in the Storage/SAN Compatibility Guide for ESX Server 3.x may now be backed up through the VMware Consolidated Backup framework.
  • Enhancements in Snapshot Functionality
    This release includes a feature in the integration modules for VCB to remove old snapshots remaining from previous backup jobs if the previous backup job failed to remove the old snapshots.
  • New Method to Identify Virtual Machines
    Before backing up a virtual machine using vcbMounter in the service console, you need to specify the virtual machine you want to back up. Prior to this release, virtual machines were identified using their DNS name or IP address only. This release supports identifying virtual machines by their display name when performing queries. Use this option if you have multiple virtual machines with the same IP address, but with different names.
  • Better Flexibility in Fibre Channel Configuration
    Previously, VCB would not function correctly if LUNs were presented with different LUN IDs to the ESX Server(s) and the proxy. This resolved issue allows VCB to work with arrays that do not guarantee consistent LUN numbering. This only applies to virtual disks backed by VMFS disks, not by RDMs.
  • New Backup Software Support
    New support for the following backup software versions:
    • Legato Networker version 7.3.2 Jumbo Update 1
    • Veritas NetBackup version 6.0
    • Symantec Backup Exec version 11d
    • Tivoli TSM Storage Agent version 5.3.3
  • VCB Proxy Operating System Support
    New support for the following operating systems to be used as a VCB proxy server:
    • Windows 2003 SP2
    • Windows 2003 R2 SP2

Resolved Issues

This release of VMware Consolidated Backup (VCB) version 1.0.3, includes the following resolved issues:
  • Virtual Machine Disks on Two Different Datastores
    This release fixes a bug that prevented committing of snapshots of virtual machines that had virtual disks on two different datastores. This fix allows those virtual machines to be protected with VCB. See KB 10043 for more information on this resolved issue.

    Note: This is a resolved issue for ESX Server 3.0.2 and not to VCB 1.0.3. Upgrading to VCB 1.0.3 is not required to benefit from this enhancement if you are using ESX Server 3.0.2.

  • Pre-freeze Script Enhanced to Better Handle Timeouts
    VCB can trigger a pre-backup script to run in the virtual machine before the snapshot is taken. Previously, if that script ran longer than three minutes, the backup would fail. This is now resolved in VCB 1.0.3.
  • TSM integration Module Error Code Fixed
    The TSM integration modules now provide the correct return codes on both success and failure.
  • VCB Can Backup Virtual Machines With Modified boot.ini Files
    Previously, if the boot.ini file in a Windows virtual machine was modified, VCB backups would fail. This is resolved in VCB 1.0.3.
  • NetBackup README Updated
    The README file for the NetBackup integration modules with NetBackup specific instructions has been updated to be more clear. The module itself is unchanged, however.

ESX Server, VirtualCenter, and VMware Consolidated Backup Compatibility

This release version requires or functions with the listed version of the following servers:

 VirtualCenter version  ESX Server version VMware Consolidated Backup
2.0.2 3.0.2 1.0, 1.0.1, 1.0.2, 1.0.3
2.0.1 3.0, 3.0.1 1.0, 1.0.1, 1.0.2
2.0 3.0 1.0, 1.0.1, 1.0.2

Installation Notes

Before you download the installation file, make sure you are using ESX Server version 3.0.2 or VirtualCenter version 2.0.2 (or newer) only. The VMware Consolidated Backup installation file is available from http://www.vmware.com/download/vi/. Double-click the downloaded file and follow the prompts to install the VMware Consolidated Backup 1.0.3.

Upgrading to VMware Consolidated Backup 1.0.3

This release supports upgrading from VMware Consolidated Backup 1.0, 1.0.1, and 1.0.2. To upgrade, download the executable, double click on the file and follow the prompts for upgrading your VMware Consolidated backup installation.

Known Issues for VMware Consolidated Backup 1.0.3

The following are the known issues when using VMware Consolidated Backup: