Server settings for WBAadmin version 2.0 in Server 2012 R2
Server settings for WBAadmin version 2.0 in Server 2012 R2
Server version 2012 R2 is in use, with two virtual machines hosted on it. The first serves as the domain controller and includes two virtual disks—one dedicated to the DC and another for network share drives. The second VM runs QuickBooks and has only one virtual disk. It’s worth noting what experts suggest regarding backups. We typically use built-in Windows solutions, backing up to a NAS that itself is protected by cloud storage. Recently, we’ve encountered backup failures, though not consistently. The issues vary in size—from 1.2TB to 1.7TB—and sometimes occur unexpectedly. I’m wondering if remote access during backups might be the cause. My current assumption is it could be related to that scenario. I’m also searching for alternative software that could speed up backups, enhance security, and simplify recovery with fast and reliable restoration. Reducing downtime is essential.
Some options I’m considering include:
Synology Active backup
Nakivo
Veema
Each has its pros and cons, but none match the simplicity of a Windows-backed solution.
Creating a VM for active backups hasn’t been straightforward—installation guides are incomplete. Nakivo is also problematic due to update difficulties.
I’m seeking something easy to install and configure, ideally supporting VHD backups, so I can avoid rebuilding VMs during recovery.
Any suggestions or insights would be greatly appreciated.
We rely on Veeam for our operations. Our setup includes three weeks of incremental backups, with full backups occurring every Sunday. This week, I encountered a problem on Monday involving one of our virtual machines (using Hyper-V). It runs Windows Server 2008 R2 alongside our ERP system and SQL 2005. Although it’s quite old, we’re transitioning to a new cloud platform. The timeclock feature in the ERP stopped functioning. I attempted to recover some files, but they didn’t work.
Veeam offers both full file restoration and VHD restore options. I restored the VHD elsewhere, attached it as a new computer in Hyper-V, and tested everything. After confirming everything was stable, I requested a VHD restore to its original place. Once completed, the VM started normally again—ERP functions correctly, and time clocks are back online. The only concern was that the VHD was restored from a backup made on Saturday night, resulting in a two-day delay for two team members who were expected Sunday.
It took about three hours from when the issue was first noticed until everything was resolved. After finding the fix, restoring the VHD took roughly 30 minutes and the VM came back up quickly. This was my first experience with such a process, so it involved some learning and testing. Next time I’ll be more efficient.
Do you have Veeam installed on its own virtual machine? When I talked to Sales, they told me it needed to be set up in a VM, which I can create but I’m facing some storage limitations. I didn’t originally configure the server, but it uses an MBR so even though the server is 4 TB and I’m only using 2 TB, I don’t have access to the remaining space. I’m unsure about the intended plan and I know I could format and repartition it, but I’d have to do that during a short three-day weekend, which is rare and I’m not confident in my skills.
I’ve never performed a complete server format and restore.
Thanks for the suggestion—I’m hoping to get in touch with Nakivo’s tech support so I can test their platform. It operates on the NAS, provides full backups, and uses the same Snapshot as Hyper-V.
Thanks again
We actually have Veeam installed on a second server. Our primary server has sufficient disc slots, so we use two 5x2TB (7.64TB) raid 5 arrays. One array contains 19 virtual machines while the other holds just one VM, which stores all our files. The backup server operates a 4x8TB raid 5 for 21.8TB, completing 21 days of incremental backups, performing full backups every Sunday and using approximately 14TB for storage.