XenCenter

Back up and Restore a Server

You can back up a managed server to one Citrix Hypervisor backup file (.xbk). This backup file can be used to restore the server if there is a hardware failure.

Note:

This file backs up just the server itself, but not any VMs that might be running on it.

We recommend that you back up your servers frequently to enable you to recover from possible server or software failure. When backing up servers in XenCenter, note the following points:

  • Do not create the backup on Citrix Hypervisor control domain (dom0). For more information about Citrix Hypervisor control domains, see the product documentation.
  • Citrix Hypervisor backup files can be large.

To restore a server, you can select and restore the backup file within XenCenter. Reboot the server from Citrix Hypervisor installation ISO to complete the restore.

To back up your server configuration and software

  1. Select the server in the Resources pane.
  2. On the Server menu, click Back Up.
  3. Browse to locate the folder where you want to create the backup file and enter the file name.
  4. Click Save to begin the backup.

The backup might take some time. You can select the Notifications and then Events to view the progress.

To restore server software and configuration from backup

  1. Select the server in the Resources pane.
  2. On the Server menu, click Restore From Backup.
  3. Browse to locate the backup file.
  4. Click Open to begin the restore.
  5. On the server, reboot to the installation CD and select Restore from backup.
Back up and Restore a Server