Hi everyone, I'm looking for advice on creating a disaster recovery plan. My setup consists of one Hyper-V server running two virtual machines: one for the domain controller and the other for file services and applications, all on Windows Server 2022 Standard. I use a Synology DS925+ with Active Backup for Business to back up these VMs using the virtual machine backup option. If my Hyper-V server fails, which files should I restore from the Synology to bring my two VMs back up on a new Hyper-V server? I've heard about the .vhdx files, but what about the configuration files and other necessary components? I really want to make sure I have a solid plan in case of disaster. I'd appreciate any insights from those who have tackled this issue before!
3 Answers
It's essential to back up the entire virtual machine, not just the hard disk files. If you check Hyper-V Manager, you can find the default paths for your VMs and their disks. Ensure all the necessary files are in these folders and back up everything. The VM configuration is stored in the VMGS, VMRS, and VMCX files, so a complete folder backup is your best bet. Also, if your VMs were connected to any virtual switches, ensure those switches are recreated with the same names on your new system.
Consider using a backup solution like Veeam Community, which is free for up to 10 VMs. While you already have Synology, Veeam offers a neat feature where you can test-boot a VM straight from storage without a NIC, making it a great option for testing backups.
Do you have off-site backups as well? Think about scenarios like fire damage; those could really jeopardize your data. Always better to be safe and have copies stored off-site.
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