Performing cold bare metal backups and restores

Cold bare metal backups by definition require your server to be offline during the backup operation. For this reason, Unitrends recommends using the master backup to create the bare metal media where possible. However, you must use this cold bare metal backup procedure for GPT-partitioned Ubuntu 12.04 systems.

Note:  On Windows systems, cold bare metal backups are necessary if using dynamic disks or GPT partitions.Use the Linux cold bare metal procedures for these Windows systems.

To perform a cold bare metal backup

1

Insert the client-specific cold bare metal boot disk into the client and reboot. When the client reboots, boot from disk.

2

Depending on the settings you chose when creating your boot media, a backup may begin right away. To initiate a backup, select Backup from the menu. The backup is queued.

3

Monitor the status of the backup from Tasks > Real Time Task Monitor or from the Unitrends interface.

4

When the backup completes, remove the boot disk and reboot your client into its operating system.

To perform a cold bare metal restore

1

Insert the client-specific cold bare metal boot disk into the client and reboot. When the client reboots, boot from disk.

2

To initiate a restore, select Restore > Restore All from the menu.

3

Type the name of the backup device where your cold bare metal is located. D2DBackups is typical.

4

Press Tab to select the Backup Number field. A message displays explaining your options. Type a backup number or leave this field at 0 to use the most recent backup.

5

Press F6 to begin the restore. A message displays warning that this operation will overwrite existing data on the disk. Press any key.

6

Select Yes to confirm the restore operation. The restore is queued.

7

Monitor the status of the restore from Tasks > Real Time Task Monitor or from the Unitrends interface.

8

When the restore completes, remove the boot disk and reboot your client into its operating system.