Hyper-V on Cluster, can I use non CSV storage? SMB file share?

Paul Louis 26 Reputation points
2023-11-30T00:36:39.7133333+00:00

Hi all,

I've got a problem now that I have moved my Hyper-V machines onto my cluster.

I use a Synology NAS/SAN box for storage via iSCSI. The problem is simply that their various backup solutions, in particular ActiveBackup for Business does not support the cluster file system and therefore my vm's are not being backed up.

I've seen references to using SMB3 shared storaghe with cluster but cant find anything definitive.

Can I store the virtual machines on a sharted volume of SMB from the NAS box?

I simply don't have the budget as a very small business (farm) to pay thousands for enterprise backup software.

Any help appreciated.

Cheers Paul

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Windows Server Clustering
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Windows Server: A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.Clustering: The grouping of multiple servers in a way that allows them to appear to be a single unit to client computers on a network. Clustering is a means of increasing network capacity, providing live backup in case one of the servers fails, and improving data security.
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  1. Ian Xue (Shanghai Wicresoft Co., Ltd.) 33,376 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2023-11-30T05:59:09.8633333+00:00

    Hi Paul Louis,

    Yes you can store your VMs on a file share. Just set the paths for the virtual machines and virtual hard disks to the file share in the Hyper-V settings.

    Best Regards,

    Ian Xue

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  2. Alex Bykovskyi 1,841 Reputation points
    2023-11-30T20:43:54.1866667+00:00

    Hey,

    It is possible to use SMB file share as a shared storage for Failover Cluster. Configure file shares on your NAS and connect them to cluster hosts. Check for more information.
    https://video2.skills-academy.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-r2-and-2012/jj134187(v%3dws.11)

    Might be helpful as well: https://www.starwindsoftware.com/blog/virtual-machine-storage-file-vs-block-part-2-smb-vs-iscsi-vs-nvme-of-in-hyper-v

    Cheers,

    Alex Bykovskyi

    StarWind Software

    Note: Posts are provided “AS IS” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose.