clone vcenter for backup purposes

[xbradshr]

Is it practical to clone Vcenter 4.1 for backup purposes? I had a quick google on this subject, and found a range of opinions

http://www.yellow-bricks.com/2010/08/09/standby-vcenter-server-for-disaster-recovery/

http://communities.vmware.com/message/2005251

Some say it is okay, while others have issues because vcenter uses ADAM. Our database is on a separate cluster.

-To clone vcenter, is it just a case of cloning the vcenter VM while it is booted(the clone is not booted after the cloning process)?

-if we needed to boot the clone, can it be booted from the command line using remote tech support?

[beckham007fifa · Accepted solution]

yeah, you can clone it for backup purpose. So far your network settings are properly configured you can power it on in disaster scenarios.

[xbradshr]

thanks. If we need to boot the clone, can this be done from the command line, remote tech support? what would the command be?

[beckham007fifa]

xbradshr wrote:

thanks. If we need to boot the clone, can this be done from the command line, remote tech support? what would the command be?

yes you can do it. You must be knowing where it is actually residing and the commands are follows

for classic esx

vmware-cmd XXXXXXXX.VMX start

for esxi

vmsvc\getallvms

get the pid

vmsvc\power.on pid

but make sure you have your original vcenter shoutdowned or not in the network