With some exceptions, you can back up configuration information for System Platform and the solution template (all template virtual machines).
Note The System Platform backup feature does not back up the following types of configuration data:
System parameters (examples: SNMP Discovery, Template product ID)
Networking parameters (examples: Template IP and hostname, Console Domain IP and hostname, static IP route configuration)
Ethernet parameters (examples: Auto-negotiation, speed and port information)
Security configuration (examples: SSH keys, Enable Advance password, Host access list)
In scenarios where, for example, an administrator performs a system backup prior to a template or platform upgrade or platform replacement, and the system generates new unique SSH keys internally as part of the upgrade or replacement action. The SSH keys generated prior to the backup operation are of no use to the system updated or replaced.
System Platform backs up sets of data and combines them into a larger backup archive. Backup sets are related data items available for backup. When you perform a back up, the system executes the operation for all backup sets. All backup sets must succeed to produce a backup archive. If any of the backup set fails, then the system removes the backup archive. The amount of data backed up depends on the specific solution template.
The system stores the backup data in the /vspdata/backup directory in Console Domain. This is a default location. During an upgrade, the system does not upgrade the /vspdata folder, facilitating a data restore operation if required. You can change this location and back up the System Platform backup archives to a different directory in System Platform or in an external server. Optionally, send the backup data to an external e-mail address if the file size is smaller than 10 MB.
If a backup fails, the system automatically redirects to the Backup page after login and displays the following message: Last Backup Failed. The system continues to display the message until a backup succeeds.
Note You cannot restore an older version of System Platform from a backup set created on a newer version of System Platform.
Important The System Platform backup feature does not provide a mechanism to reenable a failed System Platform High Availability node. For more information, see one of the following topics appropriate for your troubleshooting scenario:
Re-enabling a failed preferred node to High Availability
Re-enabling a failed standby node to High Availability