© 2008 Vizioncore, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This guide contains proprietary information protected by copyright. The software described in this guide is furnished under a software license or nondisclosure agreement. This software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the applicable agreement.
Document Revision History Document Version Number Issue Date Description of Change 2.5a 04/09/08 Initial document 2.5b 05/23/08 Chapter 1 • In the Snapshots and Hybrid Replication sections of vReplicator Overview, added a warning against running a differential backup of a VM that is undergoing hybrid replication. Chapter 2 2.5c 06/12/08 • Updated list of OSs in the Location Requirements section. • In the Interoperability Requirements section, updated lists and added support policy statement.
Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 4 Virtualization and VMware Overview .................................................................................................... 5 vReplicator Overview ............................................................................................................................ 7 Snapshots ............................................................
Configure vReplicator .............................................................................................................................. 67 4 USING VREPLICATOR ........................................................................................................ 79 vReplicator User Interface ................................................................................................................... 80 Menu Bar .........................................................................
Error Messages .................................................................................................................................. 178 Installation ............................................................................................................................................. 178 Notification ............................................................................................................................................ 179 Configuration ............................
1 Introduction vReplicator v2.
vReplicator™ software is a powerful real-time replication solution for the VMware® ESX Server environment. vReplicator is designed to perform replication specifically for virtual machines (VMs.) In this manual, you will learn how to install and configure vReplicator. You will also learn how to use these components: • Notification • Alerts • Hybrid and differential replication • Reports First, some background on the context in which vReplicator was developed.
Multiple Physical Machines Windows XP Windows Server Windows Server Linux Development Test Machine Exchange Server VPN SQL Server Machine 1 Hardware Machine 2 Hardware … Machine 3 Hardware Machine 4 Hardware … Single ESX Server with Multiple VMs VM VM VM VM Windows XP Windows Server Windows Server Linux Exchange Server VPN SQL Server Development Test Machine … Pooled hardware shared by all VMs.
vReplicator Overview Reliable business continuity and disaster recovery (DR) strategies deliver comprehensive and consistent results. Replication plays a key role in this process. If done well, replication can restore systems securely while enhancing performance and minimizing interruption. VMware Infrastructure 3 (VI3) provides a solid platform for replication. vReplicator 2.5 was designed to be the definitive replication solution for VI3.
between hosts. Even after a vMotion event occurs, replication activities can continue unabated. VSS The Microsoft® Volume Shadow Copy Service (MS VSS) driver in vReplicator works in conjunction with Vizioncore’s VSS agent to ensure reliable remote API call communication. By alternately freezing and thawing application writes, MS VSS and Vizioncore VSS provide consistent results during each replication process.
Ultimately, this data is copied to the destination VM and then merged into the first snapshot. This method allows for a very fast process, in part because no scanning is required. Nonetheless, the continuously open snapshot can decrease I/O temporarily. Because this method replicates as a function of change over time, snapshots can grow rather large and cumbersome. For this reason, it is important to confirm sufficient free disk space in advance of initiating a hybrid replication.
Using this Manual Terms and Acronyms These terms and acronyms are used in this manual. Term or Acronym Definition API Application Programming Interface CPU Central Processing Unit delta file An empty virtual disk file that is added during a replication pass. As data is replicated, this file grows. DNS Domain Name System DR Disaster Recovery FQDN Fully Qualified Domain Name GB Gigabyte Guest A VM that runs on an ESX Server. Host A physical ESX Server that runs VMs.
Term or Acronym Definition RAM Random Access Memory SA System Administrator SAN Storage Area Network SCSI Small Computer System Interface SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol SQL server A sequel server SQL database Structured Query Language; an SQL database. SSH Secure Shell Access; a network protocol used to exchange data between CPUs across a secure channel. Su switch user Triple DES Triple Data Encryption Standard USB Universal Serial Bus vReplicator.
Icons and Buttons Within the vReplicator interface, there are several icons and buttons that display repeatedly. They are described below. A closed green checkmark icon displays to the right of a field to confirm that it has been populated with a valid value. A closed red X icon displays to the right of a field to indicate that it contains an invalid value. Clicking this link displays a window containing additional information about the adjacent field.
Technical/Customer Support Contacting Dell Note: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog. Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your area. To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues: 1. Visit http://support.dell.com. 2. 3. 4.
International Access Code: 900 Country Code: 43 City Code: 1 Bahamas E-Mail Address Home/Small Business Sales Home/Small Business Fax Home/Small Business Customer Service Home/Small Business Support Preferred Accounts/Corporate Customer Service Preferred Accounts/Corporate Customer Switchboard Web Address E-Mail Address Technical Support., Customer Service, Sales Barbados Web Address E-Mail Address Technical Support.
Cayman Islands Chile (Santiago) Country Code: 56 City Code: 2 China (Xiamen) Country Code: 86 City Code: 592 Columbia Medium/Large Business, Government Spare Parts and Extended Service E-Mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales Web Address E-Mail Address Sales and Customer Support Technical Support Web Address Technical Support E-Mail Address Customer Service E-Mail Address Technical Support Fax Technical Support – Dimension and Inspiron Technical Support – OptiPlex, Lattitude and Dell Prec
Code: 00 Country Code: 45 Dominica Customer Service – Relational Home/Small Business Customer Service Switchboard – Relational Switchboard Fax – Relational Switchboard – Home/Small Business Switchboard Fax – Home/Small Business Web Address E-Mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales 7023 0184 3287 5505 3287 1200 3287 1201 3287 5000 3287 5001 www.dell.com/dm la-techsupport@dell.
Greece International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 49 Grenada Guatemala Guyana Hong Kong International Access Code: 001 Country Code: 852 India Large Accounts Customer Service Public Accounts Customer Service Switchboard Web Address Technical Support Gold Service Technical Support Switchboard Gold Service Switchboard Sales Fax Web Address E-Mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales www.dell.com/gd la-techsuppo@dell.
Customer Service Home and Small Business toll-free: 1-800-425-8045 Large Corporate Accounts 080-25068033 or your city STD code + 60003355 or toll-free: 1-800-425-9045 Sales Large Corporate Accounts Home and Small Business eec_ap@dell.com India_care_HSB@dell.com toll-free : 1800-4254051 India_care_REL@dell.
Jamaica Japan (Kawasaki) International Access Code: 001 Country Code: 81 City Code: 44 Korea (Seoul) International Access Code: 001 Country Code: 82 City Code: 2 Latin America Luxemborg International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 352 vReplicator v2.
Macao Country Code: 83 Malaysia (Penang) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 60 City Code: 4 Mexico International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 52 Montserrat Netherlands Antilles Netherlands (Amsterdam) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 31 City Code: 20 New Zealand International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 64 Nicaragua Norway (Lysaker) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 47 Panama vReplicator v2.
011-800-507-1264 Peru Web Address E-mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales Poland (Warsaw) International Access Code: 011 Country Code: 48 City Code: 22 Web Address E-mail Address Customer Service Phone Customer Service Sales Customer Service Fax Reception Desk Fax Switchboard Web Address Technical Support Customer Service Sales Portugal International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 351 Puerto Rico St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St.
Switchboard (Sales) South Africa (Johannesburg) International Access Code: 09/091 Country Code: 27 City Code: 11 Spain (Madrid) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 34 City Code: 91 Sweden (Upplands Vasby) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 46 City Code: 8 Switzerland (Geneva) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 41 City Code: 22 Taiwan International Access Code: 002 Country Code: 886 Thailand International Access Code: 001 Country Code: 66 vReplicator v2.
Trinidad/Tobago Web Address E-mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales www.dell.com/tt la-techsupport@dell.com Turks and Caicos Islands Web Address E-mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales www.dell.com/tc la-techsupport@dell.com U.K.
U.S. Virgin Islands Venezuela vReplicator v2.
2 Installation vReplicator v2.
The vReplicator installation process is simple. After you confirm that all requirements and pre-requisites have been met, identify the following: • VCs and/or hosts that you want to configure. • Default settings for replication type and frequency. • Default limits for simultaneous replications. • Default recipients for replication job notification. • Users who should receive alerts when storage is low.
VMware ESX Server Requirements User Accounts and Passwords For each replication source and destination VM, you must use a login with appropriate permissions. vReplicator requires the use of root, non-root, and system administrator (SA) IDs and non-root and SA passwords. This section contains information specific to vReplicator password requirements. For additional information, see the General Password Security Guidelines section at the end of this chapter.
• To perform a hot replication, vReplicator requires 6 GB of free space on the source VMFS. Destination These are the requirements for the destination machine: • You do not need to complete any installations on the destination VMFS. • The destination VMFS must be formatted for ESX 3 and have enough free disk space to store the replicated VM. Note: For larger VMs (i.e., larger than 256 GB), confirm that the destination machine can support the file size.
• VMware ESX Server 2.5.2 • VMware ESX Server 2.5.1 • VMware ESX Server 2.5.0 • VMware ESX Server 2.1.3 • VMware ESX Server 2.1.2 • VMware ESX Server 2.0.2 Vizioncore Support Policy Vizioncore attempts to support all .dot versions of ESX Server within 60-90 days of release. However, changes to the platform can create unforeseen circumstances, causing an unexpected delay in providing support. Support for all major versions of ESX Server is to be determined.
Installation Support The following are supported: OS Service Pack Bit Level Windows 2000 SP4 32 Windows XP SP1 and SP2 32 Windows 2003 SP1 and SP2 32 Windows 2003 R2 SP1 and SP2 32 The following are not supported at this time: OS Service Pack Bit Level Windows Vista N/A 32 and 64 Windows Vista SP1 32 and 64 Windows 2003 SP1 and SP2 64 Windows 2003 R2 SP1 and SP2 64 Windows 2008 N/A 32 and 64 OS Service Pack Bit Level Windows 2003 SP1 and SP2 32 Guest VSS Support The fo
Guest OS for Replication Support The software can replicate any guest OS that any VMware ESX Server supports as long as vReplicator supports that underlying version of ESX. Snapshots must be fully functional against the VM guest OS that the VM virtual server supports. That is, there must be no known VMware snapshot issues. Please refer any snapshot issues to VMware Customer Support. vReplicator v2.
Installing vReplicator This section will guide you through installing vReplicator on a workstation or server. Since network latency can compromise vReplicator performance, the software should not be installed on a network drive. Pre-requisites: • You must have administrator privileges on the workstation or server on which you install the software. • You must remove any previously installed version of vReplicator before beginning a new installation. See the instructions below.
You will know that the process is complete when this desktop icon displays: Database Selection vReplicator requires an SQL database to record job information. Install on new instance This method is preferred. If you select this option, a new of SQL Express 2005 instance of SQL Express 2005 will be installed on the (radio button) vReplicator machine and all necessary product database configurations will be completed.
Install vReplicator Using SQL Express 2005 (New Instance) 1. From the desktop, double-click the installer file—vReplicator.msi—to run it. The vReplicator Setup Wizard dialog displays. 2. Click Next. The License Agreement dialog displays. vReplicator v2.
3. Read the license agreement. If you agree to its terms, click I Agree. Then, click Next. The Select Installation Folder dialog displays. Note: Both the available and required disk space are indicated on the Select Installation Folder dialog. 4. In the Folder field, specify the location where vReplicator should be installed. The default is C:\Program Files\Vizioncore\vReplicator\. If you want to change the location, edit the path directly. Or, click Browse to select a path.
When the process is complete, the Completed dialog displays. 6. Click Next. The Installation Complete dialog displays. vReplicator v2.
7. Click Close. The vReplicator icon displays on the desktop. 8. On the Database Setup Wizard dialog, click Next. The Install Database dialog displays. vReplicator v2.
9. On the Install Database dialog, select the Install on new instance of SQL Express 2005 radio button. Then, click Next. The Microsoft SQL Express Install dialog displays. 10. In the Password and Confirm Password fields, enter the password for the SA account for this server. Click OK. The Setup Progress dialog displays. vReplicator v2.
11. Click Next. The Database user Credentials dialog displays. The system auto-populates the Database Server field with (existing SQL database name)\VIZIONCORE and the User Name field with vizioncoreuser. Enter the SA password in the Password field. Click Next. Note: You can change the value in the User Name field. vReplicator v2.
12. Click the Automatic Setup icon at the center of the Install Database dialog. 13. When the Next button is enabled, click it. vReplicator v2.
14. Click Next. A confirmation of completion dialog displays. 15. Click Finish. The Completed dialog displays. vReplicator v2.
16. Click Next. The Installation Complete dialog displays. 17. Click Close. Installation is complete. vReplicator v2.
Upgrade to New Version of vReplicator To upgrade to a new version of vReplicator, you must first uninstall any previous version of the software. During this process, you will be prompted about whether you want to complete a full uninstall. Since you are upgrading to a new version, it is best to click No to retain settings and data from the previous version. Uninstall vReplicator To uninstall any version of vReplicator, do the following: 1. Access Windows Control Panel→Add or Remove Programs. 2.
The application will no longer display in the Add or Remove Programs window. vReplicator v2.
Upgrade to a New Version vReplicator 1. From the desktop, double-click the installer file—vReplicator.msi—to run it. 2. Click Run. vReplicator v2.
3. Click Next. 4. Read the license agreement. If you agree to its terms, click I Agree. 5. Click Install. vReplicator v2.
6. Wait while the files are copied. Then, click Next. Installation is complete. 7. Click Close. vReplicator v2.
The vReplicator desktop icon displays. 8. Double-click the desktop icon. The vReplicator window and Notification Recipients dialog display. You are now ready to configure vReplicator. To continue, see the Initial Configuration section in Chapter 3. vReplicator v2.
General Password Security Guidelines In general, it is best to make each password significantly different than previous passwords. A unique password that contains uppercase and lowercase characters as well as numerals and symbols is ideal. Never share passwords across applications—that is, a password that you use in vReplicator should be distinct from a vRanger Pro password. It is best to avoid incremental passwords. Do not create passwords that include user or company names.
3 Configuration vReplicator v2.
There are a few configurations that you can make when you access vReplicator for the first time. It can be useful to complete this process so that your default settings are in place for your first replication jobs. The initial configuration process includes: • • • • • Adding notification recipients. Selecting interface preferences. Defining alerts. Establishing replication job defaults. Adding and connecting to VCs and hosts.
Initial Configuration Notification Setup The configuration process begins with setting up an email notification list. The users on this list can be notified when a replication job is completed or when errors are encountered during replication. One recipient on the list will be designated to receive all notifications by default. For each replication job, you can override this recipient by entering another email address.
• Alerts—Configure storage alert options using the fields on this tab. • Job—On this tab, you can set default replication job options that include replication type and frequency. • Resources—This tab features several fields that allow you to manage simultaneous replication jobs. Email Tab SMTP Name or IP The name or IP address of the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) server used to send the email.
View Tab VC Tree Expand Level (spin box) The value in this field indicates the level of expansion for the VC tree in the Hosts and Containers pane. You can select a value between 2 and 100. By default, the expansion level is 2. The icon adjacent to the field indicates that the value is valid. If a Show Menu Text Labels (checkmark button) displays, the value is invalid. This field controls whether the text labels in the Toolbar of the vReplicator window display. By default, this field is selected.
Alerts Tab Inform me on low storage? (checkmark button) If this field is selected, an alert displays in the Replication Management pane when storage space goes below the setting defined on this tab—as a percentage (%) or in gigabytes (GB). In addition, an email notification is sent to the user selected in the Default Recipients Email field. Warn me when storage has gone below_______ (% or GB) (spin box and radio buttons) In this field, you define the storage level threshold for the alert.
vReplicator can be configured to display an alert or send an email notification when a defined storage threshold has been crossed. The software pulls storage data from VC to create a datastore summary. No manual entry is required. For additional information on datastore summaries, see Chapter 4.
VM DisplayName Template Need space between display and name. This is the template that vReplicator uses to name destination VMs. When you view a VC environment, the value in this field is appended to the VC display name of the replicated VM. For example, a replicated VM named TestVM2 will display as TestVM2_VzReplicate on the destination host. This field is pre-populated with %VMNAME%_VzReplicate. A icon displays next to the field when the value is valid.
Default Job Frequency Use these options to set the default replication job schedule. (radio buttons and spin For each job initiated through the Replication Job Wizard, you boxes) can override this setting. Fixed: This frequency type defines a set interval between the time the first job starts and the time the next job starts. For example, if a VM requires 10 minutes to replicate and you set the fixed interval to 1 hour, the first job will begin at 7:00 and complete at 7:10. The next job will begin at 8:00.
Help Windows There are several help windows that can be accessed through the Job tab. Default Replication Type Help Window Default Job Frequency Help Window vReplicator v2.
Drag and Drop Replication Jobs Help Window vReplicator v2.
Resources Tab Limit total simultaneous replications to: _________ at a time. (spin box) The value in this field indicates the maximum number of total simultaneous replication jobs that are allowed to run at once. A value between 1 and 100 is acceptable. Default is 10. Limit per host simultaneous replications to: ________ at a time. (spin box) The value in this field indicates the maximum number of total simultaneous replication jobs per host that are allowed to run at once.
Connections Setup After you define your settings on the First Time Setup dialog, you can add a VC or host, connect to it, or remove it through the Connection Setup dialog. You can also set a default VC or host to load automatically upon startup. If you skip the initial configuration process when you first access vReplicator, you can define these settings later through Connect on the Menu Bar of the vReplicator window. For instructions on configuring a VC or host, see Chapter 4.
Add New VC When you click this button, the Add VirtualCenter dialog displays. From this dialog, you can add a VC. Remove VC When you click this button, you can delete any VC that displays in the Configured VC List. Set As Default Sets the Default Start Up Connection to the selected VC. Connect to VCs Click this button to connect to any VC that displays on the Configured VC List.
When you click Connect on the Add VirtualCenter dialog, text displays in the lower-left to indicate progress in processing. Host(s) Tab You can configure hosts to connect directly to vReplicator. If you are not using VC, you must add and connect to each host that might serve as a source or destination. Warning: If you connect to hosts directly, and a VM is moved through a vMotion event, you must initiate a new replication job for that VM. Otherwise, the VM will not replicate correctly. vReplicator v2.
Default Start Up Connection When vReplicator boots, it will automatically attempt to connect to any configured VCs or hosts. vReplicator can only connect to one at a time—VCs or hosts—not to both simultaneously. This field indicates the default host to which vReplicator will connect. You will know that the host default has been set if this message displays below the field: Load Host(s) on start up.
Add Host Dialog Host Name or IP This field contains the host name or IP address of the server used to connect to the host. The change to a icon adjacent to the field will icon when a valid value is entered in this field. Port This is the SSH port on the host that will be used to communicate with vReplicator. The default value in this field is 22. The field is enabled, so you can change this value. User This field should contain the ID of the user who is currently logged into vReplicator.
Configure vReplicator 1. Double-click the vReplicator icon on the desktop. The vReplicator window and Notification Recipients dialog display. 2. In the Email field on the Notification Recipients dialog, enter an email address. Click Add. The address is copied to the Email Address text box. vReplicator v2.
3. Clear the Email field. 4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for every email address that you want to include. Then, click OK. The First Time Setup dialog displays. The email addresses that you entered display in the Default Recipients Email field. 5. On the Email tab, populate these fields: -In the SMTP Name or IP field, enter the name or IP address of the mail server. -From the Default Recipients Email dropdown, select the address of the user who should be the default recipient.
6. Click the Click here to send a test email link. A confirmation message displays. 7. Click OK. Without closing the First Time Setup dialog, access the mailbox to which the email was sent. Confirm receipt of the test message. 8. On the First Time Setup dialog, click the View tab. -In the VC Tree Expand Level spin box, enter a value between 2 and 100 or leave the default (2) as is. -By default, the Show Menu Text Labels field is selected.
Note: To enter a new address, click the Email tab and add the address before returning to the Alerts tab to select it. 10. Click the Job tab. -By default, the VM DisplayName Template field is populated. Do not alter the %VMNAME% variable. You can alter _VzReplicate. The icon remains displayed next to the field if the value is valid. -In the Default Replication Type field, select a radio button—Hybrid or Differential. -In the Default Job Frequency field, select a radio button—Fixed or Sliding.
11. Click the Resources tab. -In the Limit total simultaneous replications to _______at a time field, use the spin boxes to define a limit or leave the default (10) as is. -In the Limit per host simultaneous replications to _______at a time field, use the spin boxes to define a limit or leave the default (4) as is. -In the Limit per LUN simultaneous replications to _______at a time field, use the spin boxes to define a limit or leave the default (2) as is. 12. Click OK.
15. Enter a value in the Host Name or IP field. In the User and User Password fields, enter the account information for the user currently logged in. The icons that display adjacent to these fields will change to values are valid. icons if the 16. Leave the default value—443—in the Port field as is. Click Connect. When processing is complete, the VC that you added displays in the Configured VC List on the VirtualCenter(s) tab. vReplicator v2.
17. If you would like this VC to load upon startup, click Set As Default. The field label just above the text box changes to Load VirtualCenter(s) on start up. vReplicator v2.
18. Click Connect to VCs. The VC that you added displays in the Hosts and Containers pane. 19. In the Hosts and Containers pane, click to highlight an object within the VC that you added. Data for that VC loads into the Virtual Machines and Replication Management panes. vReplicator v2.
20. To add a host and connect to it, click the Host(s) tab on the Connections Setup dialog. 21. Click Add New Host. The Add Host dialog displays. 22. In the Host Name or IP field, enter a value. In the User field, enter the su ID. Deselect the Add user checkmark button if you do not want this ID added to the database. The icons that display adjacent to these fields will change to values are valid. icons if the 23. Leave the default (22) in the Port field as is. 24.
25. In the Root Password field, enter the password for the root account. 26. Click Connect. When processing is complete, the host that you added displays in the Configured Host List on the Host(s) tab. 27. To enable vzBoost, select the checkmark button of the same name. 28. If you would like this host to load upon startup, click Set As Default. The field label just above the text box changes to Load Host(s) on start up. vReplicator v2.
29. Click Connect to Hosts. The host that you added displays in the Hosts and Containers pane of the vReplicator window. vReplicator v2.
30. In the Hosts and Containers pane, click to highlight the host that you added. Data for that host loads into the Virtual Machines and Replication Management panes. vReplicator v2.
4 Using vReplicator vReplicator v2.
vReplicator User Interface The vReplicator window is the central navigational area of the software. This is where you can view the components of the system, such as VCs, hosts, and VMs. It is through this window that you can access the commands that allow you to configure and execute replication jobs and monitor their progress.
Menu Bar At the top of the vReplicator window there is a Menu Bar. The commands available through the Menu Bar are described below. File Menu Exit Select this command to close the window and exit vReplicator. Edit Menu Search Opens a search window at the top of the Replication Management pane. Use this window to search for VMs, hosts, and VC objects. Connect Menu to VC Accesses the VirtualCenter(s) tab of the Connections Setup dialog. Use this dialog to add, configure, and connect to VCs.
Options Opens the Options window through which you can change notification and interface settings, configure alerts, and set job defaults and limits. Reports Menu There is only one command in the Reports menu—Replication History. The Replication History window gives you access to general information about the replication jobs that have been run, both those that succeeded and failed.
Toolbar On the vReplicator window just below the Menu Bar there is a Toolbar. All Toolbar commands are described below. Some of them are duplicates of those found on the Menu Bar. Note: You can configure vReplicator to display only icons—without text—in the Toolbar. To do this, clear the Show Menu Text Labels checkmark button on the View tab of the Options dialog.
Hosts and Containers Pane On the left of the vReplicator window there is a Hosts and Containers pane. If you are not using VC, this pane displays all of the hosts to which you are connecting directly through your environment. If you are using VC, this pane features a tree structure that includes these objects: Folder Expanded Folder Datacenter Cluster Host All of the hosts whose VMs are available for replication are listed in this pane.
When you first access vReplicator, a Select Service button displays in the Hosts and Containers pane. Click it to open the Connections Setup dialog. Using the tabs on this dialog, you can connect to any VC or host that you configured. Once the connection is established, the Select Service button no longer displays. Virtual Machines Pane At the center of the vReplicator window there is a Virtual Machines pane.
Replication Management Pane On the right of the vReplicator window, there is a Replication Management pane. It features detailed information about replication jobs. During a replication, this pane displays a tree structure of tasks associated with the process. You can monitor replication jobs based on the progress bars that display for each task.
This icon displays next to a VM name. It indicates that the VM is not running. Located below the Toolbar, this link accesses the Replication Job Wizard dialog, where you can initiate a replication job. This link displays below the Toolbar. Click it to access the Replication Job Wizard for the job that is currently displayed in the Replication Management pane. When you select a VM in the Virtual Machines pane, this view displays in the Replication Management pane: vReplicator v2.
When you select a template in the VMs pane, this view displays in the Replication Management pane: When disk space is low, an alert message displays in red on the right side of the vReplicator Management pane. vReplicator v2.
Replication Management Pane: Job Views Before a replication starts, details about the job display in the Replication Management pane. Several additional icons display as well. When you click this icon, the Replication Job Wizard dialog displays. Using this wizard, you can add a new replication job. vReplicator automatically assumes that the source machine is the VM currently selected in the VMs pane. This icon allows you to initiate a replication job at any time, even if the job is not scheduled to run.
While a replication job is in process, job progress details display as well as two additional icons: As an alternative to removing a job, you might decide to disable it instead. Doing this prevents current and future replications but allows you to retain the job. A confirmation message displays, indicating that if you disable the job, all snapshots that were generated during previous jobs will be removed.
Source The Source field contains the name of the host on which the source VM resides. Target This field is populated with the name of the host on which the destination VM resides. Description This field is auto-populated with the information that you entered in the Description field of the Replication Job Wizard dialog. When a replication job is in process, the column headings in the Replication Log update.
Replication Job Wizard Through the Replication Job Wizard dialog you can configure replication jobs by defining type, frequency, notifications, alerts, timeframes, source machines, and destination machines. Some of the defaults that you set during the initial configuration will populate the corresponding fields in this dialog. For each replication job that you initiate, you can leave the default settings in place or you can override them.
Replication Type There are two replication types—Hybrid and Differential. (radio buttons) Hybrid: A faster method of replication, hybrid replicates as a function of change over time. No scanning is needed and snapshots can be taken at shorter intervals. Using this method, a snapshot remains open continuously. Differential: Using this method, two replication passes are completed. The source VM’s current data is compared to the changed data that is stored on the data map.
Replication Job Wizard Step 2 Unlabeled (text box) This text box is populated with the email addresses that were added through the Email tab on the Options dialog. Any address that is displayed in this text box can be moved to the Notify text box for individual jobs. This field is disabled. Notify list (text box) This text box contains the default email address that was added to vReplicator during initial configuration. vReplicator v2.
Replication Job Wizard Step 3 Target VM Name This field is auto-populated with: (source VM name)_VzReplicate. Disable Guest Quiescing (checkbox) Quiescing pauses or alters running processes during replication to ensure consistency in results. When you disable quiescing, the VMware Tools Sync driver is disabled during replication. It is important to do this when you replicate a database server that uses a service to write. This includes SQL Exchange, Active Directory, and Oracle. Selected by default.
Replication Job Wizard Step 4 Source Adapter The virtualized NIC adapter configured for the VM. Source Network Virtualized network for the source VM. Target Network Virtualized network for the destination VM. Right-click this column to select another value. vReplicator v2.
Replication Job Wizard Step 5 Primary Datastore (dropdown) This field is auto-populated with data from the ESX host. This dropdown includes the following information about the primary datastore listed: Datastore Name: The name of the primary target datastore is listed in this column. Total Space: The total amount of space (in GB) that the target datastore requires. Free Space: The total amount of free space remaining (in GB) on the target disk destination. vReplicator v2.
Unlabeled (text box) This text box features information from the ESX host, including a list of hard disks contained in the primary datastore. When you click within the source VM’s Primary Datastore dropdown, these columns display: DataStore Name, TotalSpace, and FreeSpace. When you select a value from the Primary Datastore dropdown, the text box populates. The following data is featured in columns within the text box: Checkbox selection column: Select a checkbox that corresponds to a physical disk.
Email Notification Add a Notification Recipient If you bypassed email notification setup when you first configured vReplicator, you can complete the process by following the instructions below. 1. In the Toolbar on the vReplicator window, click Options. The Options dialog displays. 2. On the Email tab, populate the SMTP Name or IP field. 3. Click Edit List. The Notification Recipients dialog displays. vReplicator v2.
4. In the Email field, enter the email address for the user who should receive notifications. Click Add. The email address is copied to the Email Address text box. 5. To enter additional addresses, clear the Email field and repeat step 4. Click OK. The Options dialog displays. The email addresses that you entered populate the Default Recipients Email field on the Options dialog. vReplicator v2.
6. Use the Click here to send a test email link to test transmission to each address that you entered. A confirmation message displays, requesting that you check the inbox for the email address. Remove Email Address You can delete email addresses at any time. However, at least one address must remain in the system at all times. 1. Access the Notification Recipients dialog. In the Email Address text field, click to highlight the address that you want to delete. Click Delete. The email address is deleted.
Test Email Notification On the Email tab of the vReplicator First Time Setup/Options dialog, there is a link that allows you to test notification. 1. In the Toolbar on the vReplicator window, click Options. The Options dialog displays. 2. On the Email tab, select an address from the Default Recipients Email dropdown. 3. Click the Click here to send a test email link. A confirmation message displays. 4. Click OK to the message. Access the email inbox of the recipient.
VC and Host Configuration If you did not configure VCs and hosts when you first accessed vReplicator, you can do so now. Both hosts and VCs can be configured, but you can only connect using one method at a time. Configure a VC 1. In the Hosts and Containers pane, click Select Service. OR Click the Configure VirtualCenter(s) icon in the Toolbar. The Connections Setup dialog displays. 2. Click Add New VC. The Add VirtualCenter dialog displays. 3.
4. Leave the Value (443) in the Port field as is. In the User field, enter the SA ID. If the value you entered is valid, the icon changes to . 5. In the User Password field, enter the SA password. Click Connect. The VC displays in the text box on the VirtualCenter(s) tab. 6. On the Connections Setup dialog, click Connect to VCs. The VC displays in the Hosts and Containers pane. vReplicator v2.
Connect to VCs 1. In the Hosts and Containers pane of the vReplicator window, click Select Service. The Connections Setup dialog displays. 2. On the VirtualCenter(s) tab, click Connect to VCs. vReplicator connects to the VCs that you configured. The VC tree loads in the Hosts and Containers pane. vReplicator v2.
3. In the Hosts and Containers pane, click on a host. Data associated with the configured VCs load in the Virtual Machines, Replication Management, and Replication Log panes. vReplicator v2.
Configure a Host 1. In the Hosts and Containers pane, click Select Service. OR Click the Configure Host(s) icon in the Toolbar. The Connections Setup dialog displays. 2. On the Host(s) tab, click Add New Host. The Add Host dialog displays. 3. In the Host Name or IP field, enter the host name or IP of the server used to connect to the host. If the value you entered is valid, the icon changes to . 4. Leave the Value (22) in the Port field as is. In the User field, enter the SA ID.
6. In the User Password field, enter the password for the SA ID. In the Root Password field, enter the password for the root account. Click Connect. The host displays in the text box on the Host(s) tab. 7. On the Connections Setup dialog, click Connect to Hosts. The host displays in the Hosts and Containers pane. vReplicator v2.
Connect to Hosts 1. In the Hosts and Containers pane of the vReplicator window, click Select Service. The Connections Setup dialog displays. 2. Click the Host(s) tab. Click Connect to Hosts. vReplicator connects to the hosts that you configured. The hosts load in the Hosts and Containers pane. vReplicator v2.
3. In the Hosts and Containers pane, click on a host. Data associated with the configured hosts load in the Virtual Machines, Replication Management, and Replication Log panes. vReplicator v2.
Replication You can replicate a VM by using the Replication Job Wizard or by dragging and dropping VMs between hosts. Using the first method, you can define all settings to be specific to jobs. Using the drag and drop approach, vReplicator uses the defaults that you established during the initial configuration process. During replication, the source VM can be running or turned off, but the destination VM must be turned off. Replicate VM Using the Wizard (Hybrid or Differential, Fixed) 1.
5. Populate the Description field. 6. In the Replication Type field, select a radio button—Hybrid or Differential. 7. In the Perform this job every field, select Fixed. Then, use the spin boxes to enter a timeframe. 8. Set a time in the Next Start Time spin box. 9. Select a date from the Next Start Date dropdown. 10. Click Next. The Step 2 dialog displays. vReplicator v2.
11. In the Notify text box, the email address that you added for the default recipient displays. Click Next. OR If you want to update the list of users who will be notified about this job, access the Email tab of the Options dialog and supplement the notification list. Return to the Step 2 dialog and click Next. The Step 3 dialog displays. vReplicator v2.
12. You can alter the variable portion of the value in the Target VM Name field. You must not alter the following: _VzReplicate. 13. Clear the Disable Guest Quiescing checkbox or leave it selected. 14. Select a destination machine from the Target Host dropdown. If you want to add a new host, click Add New Host. Populate the fields on the Add Host dialog. Click Connect. Then, return to the Step 3 dialog and select the new host. vReplicator v2.
15. On the Step 3 dialog, click Next. The Step 4 dialog displays. vReplicator v2.
16. The Source Adapter, Source Network, and Target Network columns are autopopulated. If a secondary NIC is available, you can select it by clicking within the Target Network column. Click Next. The Step 5 dialog displays. 17. Select a value from the Primary Datastore dropdown. 18. If multiple hard disks are listed in the text box, select those that you want to replicate. Clear the others. Click Finish. The Please add credentials message displays. vReplicator v2.
Note: This error message might display. If so, click Yes. 19. Click OK to the Please add credentials message. The Add Host dialog displays. 20. Enter the su ID and password in the User and User Password fields, respectively. The vReplicator v2.5 icon adjacent to the User field changes to a icon if the ID is valid.
21. Leave the Add user checkmark button selected if you want this user ID added to the database. 22. Enter the root password in the field of the same name. Click Connect. The job displays under the relevant VM in the Virtual Machines pane. In the Replication Management pane, details about the job display. In the Replicating field, the number of VMs increases by the number configured. The Replication Log is populated with data corresponding to the job. 23.
24. Click Yes. Once the job starts, the Replication Management pane’s view updates. The Job Progress column in the Replication Log refreshes with the status Replicating. 25. Once the replication job completes, the view updates again. The Last Result column in the Replication Log now has a status of Successful. vReplicator v2.
Replicate VM Using the Wizard (Hybrid or Differential, Sliding) 1. In the Hosts and Container pane, click to highlight the host on which the source VM resides. 2. In the Virtual Machines pane, click to select the source VM. 3. In the Replication Management pane, click Add Job or Assign a New Job. The Replication Job Wizard dialog (Step 1) displays. 4. In the Name field, you can change the VM name or leave it as is. 5. Populate the Description field. 6.
9. Select a date from the Next Start Date dropdown. Click Next. The Step 2 dialog displays. 10. In the Notify text box, the email address that you added for the default recipient displays. Click Next. OR If you want to update the list of users who will be notified about this job, access the Email tab of the Options dialog and supplement the notification list. Return to the Step 2 dialog and click Next. The Step 3 dialog displays. 11.
If you want to add a new host, click Add New Host. Populate the fields on the Add Host dialog. Click Connect. Then, return to the Step 3 dialog and select the new host. 14. On the Step 3 dialog, click Next. The Step 4 dialog displays. 15. The Source Adapter, Source Network, and Target Network columns are autopopulated. If a secondary NIC is available, you can select it by clicking within the Target Network column. Click Next. The Step 5 dialog displays. vReplicator v2.
16. Select a value from the Primary Datastore dropdown or leave the default as is. 17. If multiple hard disks are listed in the text box, select only those that you want to replicate. Clear the others. Click Finish. The job displays under the relevant VM in the VMs pane. In the Replication Management pane, details about the job display. In the Replicating field, the number of VMs increases by the number configured. The Replication Log is populated with data corresponding to the job. vReplicator v2.
18. To start the replication job immediately, click Run in the Replication Management pane’s Toolbar. Or wait for the job to run as scheduled. If you click Run, a confirmation message will display. 19. Click Yes. Once the job starts, the Replication Management pane’s view updates. The Job Progress column in the Replication Log refreshes with the status Replicating. 20. Once the replication job completes, the view updates again. The Last Result column in the Replication Log now has a status of Successful.
Replicate a VM Using Drag and Drop 1. In the Virtual Machines pane, click to select the source VM that you want to replicate. Confirm that the job is displayed in the Replication Management pane. 2. From the Virtual Machines pane, drag the job to the host in which the target VM resides in the Hosts and Containers pane. 3. In the Virtual Machines pane, click to select the destination VM for the replicated job. The details of the job display in the Replication Management pane. vReplicator v2.
Replicate VM to Multiple Destinations These instructions describe the process for creating two replication jobs to run from a single source VM to two separate destination VMs. The jobs share the same timeframe, but the first job that you create will run first. The second job will remain in queue until the first job executes. 1. In the Hosts and Container pane, click to highlight the host on which the source VM resides. 2. In the Virtual Machines pane, click to select the source VM. 3.
8. Set a time in the Next Start Time spin box. 9. Select a date from the Next Start Date dropdown. Click Next. The Step 2 dialog displays. 10. In the Notify text box, the email address that you added for the default recipient displays. Click Next. OR If you want to update the list of users who will be notified about this job, access the Email tab of the Options dialog and supplement the notification list. Return to the Step 2 dialog and click Next. The Step 3 dialog displays. 11.
If you want to add a new host, click Add New Host. Populate the fields on the Add Host dialog. Click Connect. Then, return to the Step 3 dialog and select the new host. 14. On the Step 3 dialog, click Next. The Step 4 dialog displays. 15. The Source Adapter, Source Network, and Target Network columns are autopopulated. If a secondary NIC is available, you can select it by clicking within the Target Network column. Click Next. The Step 5 dialog displays. 16.
17. If multiple hard disks are listed in the text box, select only those that you want to replicate. Clear the others. Click Finish. A warning message displays. Click Yes. The first job displays in the VMs pane. In the Replication Management pane, details about the job display. In the Replicating field, the number of VMs increases by the number configured. The Replication Log is populated with data corresponding to the job. vReplicator v2.
18. With the details of the first job displayed in the Replication Management pane, schedule the second replication job. Click Add Job. The Replication Job Wizard dialog (Step 1) displays. 19. In the Name field, you can change the VM name or leave it as is. 20. Populate the Description field. 21. In the Replication Type field, select Hybrid or Differential. 22. In the Perform this job every field, select Fixed or Sliding. Then, use the spin boxes to enter the same timeframe that you used in step 7. 23.
24. Leave the setting in the Next Start Date dropdown as is. 25. Click Next. The Step 2 dialog displays. 26. In the Notify text box, the email address that you added for the default recipient displays. Click Next. OR If you want to update the list of users who will be notified about this job, access the Email tab of the Options dialog and supplement the notification list. Return to the Step 2 dialog and click Next. The Step 3 dialog displays. 27.
If you want to add a new host, click Add New Host. Populate the fields on the Add Host dialog. Click Connect. Then, return to the Step 3 dialog and select the new host. 30. On the Step 3 dialog, click Next. The Step 4 dialog displays. 31. The Source Adapter, Source Network, and Target Network columns are autopopulated. If a secondary NIC is available, you can select it by clicking within the Target Network column. Click Next. The Step 5 dialog displays. vReplicator v2.
32. Select a value from the Primary Datastore dropdown or leave the default as is. 33. If multiple hard disks are listed in the text box, select only those that you want to replicate. Clear the others. Click Finish. 34. Click Yes to the warning message. Information about the second job displays in the Virtual Machines and Replication Management panes. In the Replicating field, the number of VMs increases by the number configured. The Replication Log is populated with data corresponding to the second job.
In this case, the first job has already executed successfully. The second job has not been initiated. After the second job initiates, the first job is in queue. vReplicator v2.
Replicate VM (Skipping VMDKs) 1. In the Hosts and Container pane, click to highlight the host on which the source VM resides. 2. In the Virtual Machines pane, click to select the source VM. 3. In the Replication Management pane, click Add Job or Assign a New Job. The Replication Job Wizard dialog (Step 1) displays. 4. In the Name field, you can change the VM name or leave it as is. 5. Populate the Description field. 6. In the Replication Type field, select Hybrid or Differential. 7.
If you want to update the list of users who will be notified about this job, access the Email tab of the Options dialog and supplement the notification list. Return to the Step 2 dialog and click Next. The Step 3 dialog displays. 11. You can alter the variable portion of the value in the Target VM Name field. You must not alter the following: _VzReplicate. 12. Clear the Disable Guest Quiescing checkbox or leave it selected. 13. Select a destination machine from the Target Host dropdown.
17. Clear the checkboxes that correspond to the hard disks that you do not want to replicate. 18. Click Finish. A warning message displays. Click Yes. vReplicator v2.
The job displays under the relevant VM in the VMs pane. In the Replication Management pane, details about the job display. In the Replicating field, the number of VMs increases by the number configured. The Replication Log is populated with data corresponding to the job. vReplicator v2.
19. To start the replication job immediately, click Run in the Replication Management pane’s Toolbar. Or wait for the job to run as scheduled. If you click Run, a confirmation message will display. 20. Click Yes. Once the job starts, the Replication Management pane’s view updates. The Job Progress column in the Replication Log refreshes with the status Replicating. 21. Once the replication job completes, the view updates again. The Last Result column in the Replication Log now has a status of Successful.
Edit a Replication Job 1. In the Virtual Machines pane, navigate to the replication job that you want to update. Details about the job display in the Replication Management pane. 2. From the Toolbar, click the Edit icon. The Replication Job Wizard displays. 3. Complete the updates, clicking Next until you reach the Step 5 dialog. Then, click Finish. The replication job configuration is updated. vReplicator v2.
Stop a Replication Job 1. During an active replication session, the job details display within the Replication Management pane. 2. Click the Stop Replicating icon in the Toolbar. A confirmation message displays. 3. Click Yes. The Toolbar refreshes. The number of VMs replicating is reduced by one. The Stop Replicating icon is disabled. The replication process pauses. vReplicator v2.
Once the process completes, the vReplicator window updates again. The Toolbar is restored with a complete group of icons. In the Replication Management pane and Replication Log, the Last Result field has a status of Cancelled. The Currently Replicating setting changes to Replication Scheduled. Disable a Replication Job 1. In the Virtual Machines pane, navigate to the replication job that you want to disable. Details about the job display in the Replication Management pane. 2.
3. Click Yes. The vReplicator window refreshes. This icon displays in the Virtual Machines pane, adjacent to the VM name of the disabled job. The Replication Management pane updates to indicate that the job has been disabled. vReplicator v2.
Enable a Replication Job 1. In the Virtual Machines pane, navigate to the replication job that you want to enable. Details about the job display in the Replication Management pane. 2. From the Toolbar, click the Enable icon. A confirmation message displays. 3. Click Yes. The vReplicator window refreshes. This icon displays in the Virtual Machines pane, adjacent to the VM name of the enabled job. The job view of the Replication Management pane updates to indicate that the job has been enabled.
Test Failover Before you initiate a test failover, you must disable the replication job. If you do not, an error message will display. 1. In the Virtual Machines pane, navigate to the replication job that you want to disable. Details about the job display in the Replication Management pane. 2. From the Toolbar, click the Disable icon. A confirmation message displays. 3. Click Yes. The vReplicator window refreshes. The job is disabled. vReplicator v2.
4. Click the Test Failover icon. A confirmation message displays. 5. Click Yes. The test failover process begins. In the Replication Management pane, Currently Testing Failover displays in the Toolbar. In the Replication Log, the Job Progress column has a Testing status. 6. If the task below displays in the Replication Management pane and the Stop Testing icon changes to Resume, click it to restart testing. vReplicator v2.
7. When this confirmation message displays, click Yes. 8. Once the process is complete, the VM will remain disabled but have a status of Successful in the Last Result field of the Replication Management pane and Replication Log. Failover Before you initiate a failover, you must disable the replication job. If you do not, an error message will display. Note: During this process, you will be prompted to synchronize. If you select Yes, the failover pass will replicate before the destination VM is turned on.
4. Click the Failover icon. A confirmation message displays. 5. Click Yes. The failover process begins. In the Replication management pane, Currently Failing Over displays in the Toolbar. In the Replication Log, the Job Progress column has a Failing Over status. vReplicator v2.
6. When the failover completes, Replication Scheduled displays in the Toolbar. The Last Result field has a status of Successful in the Replication Log and Replication Management pane. The Description field indicates that the job was reversed at a specific date and time. vReplicator v2.
Remove Replication Job Before you attempt to remove a replication job, you must disable it. If you do not, an error message will display. 1. In the Virtual Machines pane, navigate to the replication job that you want to disable. Details about the job display in the Replication Management pane. 2. From the Toolbar, click the Disable icon. A confirmation message displays. 3. Click Yes. The vReplicator window refreshes. The job is disabled. 4. Click the Remove icon. A confirmation message displays.
5. Click Yes. The replication job is deleted from the system and no longer displays on the vReplicator window. vReplicator v2.
Datastore Summaries Through the Tools menu on the vReplicator window, you can access the Datastore Summary dialog. It lists all of the VCs and hosts available in the application. At the top of the screen, there is a Threshold field with settings for percentage and GB. You can change the criteria in this field and immediately update the data that displays on the dialog. The Datastore Summary window includes: • The datastores assigned to each host. • The total space available on each datastore.
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View Storage Summary 1. On the vReplicator window, select Tools→Datastore Summary. The Datastore Summary dialog displays. 2. To expand the view, click on an entry that features a plus sign (+). vReplicator v2.
3. When you change the threshold settings, the Apply button is enabled. To increase or decrease the threshold, adjust the corresponding spin box. To change the threshold unit of measure criterion, select a radio button—% or GB. Click Apply. 4. When you make a change to either threshold criteria, the data on the dialog updates immediately. In this case, the number of datastores under threshold increases and the VCs impacted by the change display in red. vReplicator v2.
Event Viewer The Event Viewer is an administrative tool available through the Microsoft Management Console (MMC). You can access the Event Viewer window to monitor vReplicator events that are detailed on application, security, and system logs. The left pane of the window features the console tree. The right pane contains the log files and other detailed information for objects within the tree. The window features a Menu Bar and a Toolbar.
For additional information on how to use the logs to manage events, access Help→About Event Viewer on the Event Viewer window. Event Viewer Menu Bar and Toolbars When the Event Viewer node is selected in the console tree, this Menu Bar and Toolbar display on the Event Viewer window. If you select a log category node in the console tree, a slightly different Toolbar displays on the Event Viewer window. vReplicator v2.
File Whether the Event Viewer or a log category node is selected in the console tree, this menu offer access to two submenus—Options and Exit. If you select Options, you will access a Disk Cleanup window. Here you can view the amount of disk space that is taken up for console changes storage. There is a Delete Files button that you can use to permanently delete the files that store all console changes. Selecting Exit closes the Event Viewer window.
View If the Event Viewer node selected in the console tree, this menu offers access to these commands: • Add\Remove Columns • Customize If you select a log category node in the console tree, this menu offers access to these commands: Help • Add\Remove Columns • All Records • Filter • Newest First • Oldest First • Find • Customize Whether you select the Event Viewer or a log category node in the console tree, this menu offer access to three submenus—Help Topics, About Microsoft Managemen
VSS Options The VSS Summary window features information about all of the VMs that are configured for vReplicator. Host The name of the host on which the VM resides is listed here. VM Name This column contains the VM name as it displays in the Virtual Machines pane of the vReplicator window. IP Address Refers to the IP address associated with the VM listed. Enabled This column features checkboxes that correspond to the VMs listed. By default, the checkboxes are not selected.
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Install Vizioncore VSS Agent 1. On the vReplicator window, select Tools→VSS Options. The VSS Summary window displays. 2. In the IP Address column for the VM that you configured, enter the IP address of the VSS server. 3. Within the Service column for that VM, click Install. The Windows VSS dialog displays. 4. In the Windows Username field, enter: (domain name)\(your username). In the password field, enter the password that corresponds to your username. Click Connect. vReplicator v2.
5. Select the Enabled checkbox for the VM that you configured. The Service column has a setting of Uninstall. The Vizioncore VSS agent is installed. vReplicator v2.
Reports vReplicator features a reporting function that allows you to view job information through the interface as well as export it to several file formats—PDF, XML, and MS Excel. The Replication History window contains status and timeframe information for each job. It also features an Errors column that offers a brief description of any problems encountered during replication. The columns on the Replication History window are sortable. Jobs are organized within a tree structure.
Replication History Window Job’s Started On (dropdown) Click within this dropdown to access a calendar from which to select a start date for the replication jobs that will make up the report. The default is one week prior to the current date. Job’s Ended On (dropdown) Click within this dropdown to access a calendar from which to select an end date for the replication jobs that will make up the report. The default is the current date.
Note: The values in this column indicate whether a specific task completed or failed. Errors: Lists any issues that occurred during the execution of a task; for example—The request failed with HTTP status 503: Service Unavailable. Replicator History Print Preview Window This window displays when you click the Print icon on the Replication History window.
Tools • Hand Tool • Snapshot Tool • Dynamic Zoom Tool • Zoom In Tool • Zoom Out Tool Toolbar Print Hand Tool Snapshot Tool Dynamic Zoom Tool Zoom Out Tool Zoom In Tool Page Width vReplicator v2.
Margin Width Whole Page Zoom Out Zoom Zoom In Page Layout Close Preview: Standard and Customize First Page Previous Page Current Page Next Page vReplicator v2.
Last Page Previous View Next View Toolbar Options: View and Customize Compile Replication History Report 1. On the vReplicator window, select Reports→Replication History. The Replication History window displays. 2. From the Job’s Started on dropdown, select a start date for the timeframe covering the replication jobs for this report. 3. From the Job’s Ended on dropdown, select an end date for the timeframe covering the replication jobs for this report. Click Apply. vReplicator v2.
The view refreshes to include information on the jobs run within the date range that you selected. vReplicator v2.
Print Replication History Report 1. On the vReplicator window, select Reports→Replication History. The Replication History window displays. 2. Compile a report using the instructions listed above. 3. Click the Print icon. The vReplicator History Print Preview window displays. vReplicator v2.
Export Replication History Report to PDF 1. On the vReplicator window, select Reports→Replication History. The Replication History window displays. 2. Compile a report using the instructions listed above. 3. From the Export to dropdown, select Portable Document Format. Click the Export to icon. The Save As dialog displays. Portable Document Format (*pdf) displays in the Save as type dropdown. vReplicator v2.
4. From the Save in dropdown, select a location to which to export the file. 5. In the File name field, enter a name for the report. 6. Click Save. The report displays in PDF. vReplicator v2.
7. Minimize the report. Navigate to the location to which you exported it and confirm that the process completed. For example, if you exported to your desktop, an icon similar to this one will display: Export Replication History Report to XML 1. On the vReplicator window, select Reports→Replication History. The Replication History window displays. 2. Compile a report using the instructions listed above. 3. From the Export to dropdown, select XML Paper Specification. Click the Export to icon.
6. Click Save. The report displays in XPS. Note: If you do not have .NET Framework installed, you will be prompted to install it before proceeding. 7. Minimize the report. Navigate to the location to which you exported it and confirm that the process completed. vReplicator v2.
Export Replication History Report to Excel 1. On the vReplicator window, select Reports→Replication History. The Replication History window displays. 2. Compile a report using the instructions listed above. 3. From the Export to dropdown, select Excel Worksheet. 4. Click the Export to icon. The Save As dialog displays. XLS Excel Files (*.xls) displays in the Save as type dropdown. 5. Click Save. The report displays in XLS. 6. Minimize the report.
Appendix vReplicator v2.
Error Messages There are several categories of error message in vReplicator. In the sections below, the messages are classified by function. Installation • If you attempt a new installation of vReplicator when another version of the software exists on the same machine, this dialog displays: • This message could display if downloading the Installer file fails or if the file is incomplete or corrupted. vReplicator v2.
Notification • If you do not enter a value in the From Email Address field on the Option dialog’s Email tab, this error message will display: • You can remove email addresses from the notification list on the Notification Recipients dialog. However, vReplicator requires that at least one email address remain in the system at all times. If you attempt to delete the only address on the list, this message will display: • Testing the email server connection is required.
Configuration • If you create multiple jobs (including one hybrid replication) on a single source VM but select different destination VMs, the VMDKs for both jobs can get out of sync. In this scenario, this message displays: • The icon displays to indicate that the two processes to be completed— Resolving IP Address and Resolving API Connection—were successful. A icon will display in the event of an error in either or both processes.
• An error message displays when the connection fails: The message reads: A connection attempt failed because the connected party did not properly respond after a period of time, or established connection failed because connected host has failed to respond. • After you complete the initial configuration and click OK on the First Time Setup dialog, vReplicator will detect any missing or invalid field values and alert you about them.
• In some cases, a field with an invalid value will feature a • This error message might display at the bottom of the Hosts and Containers pane for a number of reasons, most of which are environmental in cause. A host might be down or there might be some other circumstance preventing vReplicator from communicating with the host. If this message displays, first click the Select Service button in the Hosts and Containers pane.
Replication • If you click the Assign a New Job link and this message displays, it indicates that you are attempting to replicate to a destination VM that already has an active job assigned to it. • On the Replication Management window, if you click either the Test Failover or Failover icon before disabling the replication job, a corresponding message displays. Disabling the job is required prior to initiating a Test Failover or a Failover. vReplicator v2.
• On the Replication Management window, if you click the Remove icon before disabling the replication job, a corresponding message displays: • On the Replication Management window, when you click the Failover icon, a corresponding message displays: • When a replication job is in process, if you click the Stop Replicating icon on the Replication Management pane, this message displays: vReplicator v2.
• If a replication job fails after email notification has been configured, a failure notice will be sent to the email recipient listed for that job. The subject of the email will be “Replication pass failed.” The text of the email will be similar to this: Job repl_job_nm (ID: ff209fb4f9484dee80524f04c4ec03b7) encountered a problem during replication from 10.0.99.207 to 10.0.99.208. The exact error message was: The request failed with HTTP status 503: Service Unavailable.
• If you enter an incorrect user ID or password on the Windows VSS dialog, this message displays: • If you click the swirl icon in the Status column of the VSS Summary window before you enter an IP address for the VM you configured, this message displays: vReplicator v2.
