snapshot script for vmware esxi host

Question

I am searching for way to create scheduled snapshot creation script. With possibility to set retention days/ count. Maybe someone can share some example or say what are using to create auto snapshots for VM

Answer 1

If you have enought knowledge in shell, this is the command to create snaphot:

vim-cmd vmsvc/snapshot.create $SRC/$VM/$VM.vmx

with :

• $SRC = datastore path
• $VM = VM folder name

As the ESXi reset some files each reboot, this is the way to add a script to crontab:

edit /etc/rc.local.d/local.sh (permanent after reboot & launched at each reboot)

#add to crontab a task
echo "01 00 1,15 * * root /vmfs/volumes/datastore1/script/backupVM.sh" >> /var/spool/cron/crontabs/root
#stop crontab process
kill $(cat /var/run/crond.pid)
#start crontab process
crond

Do not forget to set your script as executable

chmod +x /vmfs/volumes/datastore1/script/backupVM.sh

List of Esxi commands

https://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-50/index.jsp#com.vmware.vcli.ref.doc_50/vcli-right.html

Here is an example of the shell scripting possibilities on ESXi: https://github.com/Fro99666/BASH_froggESXIbackupVM/blob/master/backupVM.sh

This script create backup of VM,tar them, make a copy, and send them backup via FTP. Once finished it send a mail with the log of the process