[feeble]

Is there a standard practice procedure to backup and restore a VMWare BES Server? We run BES Server 4.6 on a VMWare 3.5 host server. The guest OS is Server 2003. I have been asked to apply a service pack on to the BES server, and as a rollback plan I want to backup the VMWare server before proceeding. Will a simple snapshot of the existing server right before the upgrade suffice? I suspect it won't be that simple. Should there be a seperate backup of the database? Hope someone can help me. Thanks.

[KalvinCline]

Anytime you do a BES upgrade --- Backup the Database!!!!

Regularly scheduled BES database backup's are invaluble. As long as you have the BES database backup you can throw your server out the window....that won't be necessary in your case but you get the idea.

[knottyrope]

an admin is only as good as his last backup

[TargetIT]

a) You should be backing up the database every day - if you need a very simple tool to do it with, see here: Free SQL Express backup software for SQL Server 2008, 2005 database
b) A snapshot should be fine as a backup for a SP.

[Yeowow]

I just ensure the database is backed up every day, and also log ship it to another server.

I find it's generally quicker to reinstall a new server than to go through the processes of restoring from tape.

[feeble]

Thanks guys for all your help.

Yes, I will back up the db just before (currently it is once a week to the file server), and keep the Blackberry CD and a spare box handy.

[BB-Tech support]

Originally Posted by feeble

Thanks guys for all your help.

Yes, I will back up the db just before (currently it is once a week to the file server), and keep the Blackberry CD and a spare box handy.

Here is KB how to backup and restore BESMgmt

KB10292-How to back up and restore the BlackBerry Configuration Database

[CanuckBB]

I use a snapshot before any upgrade.

If you're really paranoid, then you could also clone the server.

[BB-Tech support]

Originally Posted by CanuckBB

I use a snapshot before any upgrade.

If you're really paranoid, then you could also clone the server.

God Bless Norton Ghost

Saved me so much time when I mess up something