How to backup a failing DC VM prior to repairs, 2012r2

Chris Head 20 Reputation points
2024-01-17T16:22:17.98+00:00

I have a 2012R2 host running a 2012r2 DC.  I am using Arcserve SPX for backups.  My backups won’t boot.  Arcserve support has discovered errors with the DC as noted: Arcserve Case Notes: [Findings]

  • Disk\volume corruption found from the Windows system and application logs. A few entries are shown below. Source disk\volume corruption could cause the boot failure from the backup data as well.
  • The \Device\Harddisk0\DR0 disk is the C: volume disk.

 
Log Name:      System
Source:        disk
Date:          12/24/2023 8:01:25 PM
Event ID:      32
Task Category: None
Level:         Warning
Keywords:      Classic
User:          N/A
Computer:      CWD-DC01.mydomain.com
Description:
The driver detected that the device \Device\Harddisk0\DR0 has its write cache enabled. Data corruption may occur.

Log Name:      System
Source:        volsnap
Date:          10/10/2023 7:06:19 PM
Event ID:      8
Task Category: None
Level:         Error
Keywords:      Classic
User:          N/A
Computer:      CWD-DC01.mydomain.com Description:
The flush and hold writes operation on volume C: timed out while waiting for a release writes command. Arcserve has asked me to run chkdsk /f /r.  This is my PDC on and file server.  I want to create a functional backup prior to the repair (Stuff happens).  What is the best way to achieve this please.  Export, Replicate or other 3<sup>rd</sup> party backup solution or some other path to a safe landing.  I am worried this thing might never boot again and I must be prepared. TIA Chris

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  1. Philippe Levesque 5,706 Reputation points MVP
    2024-01-17T16:31:21.6266667+00:00

    Hi If it's a Hyper-VM I would export the VM to have a offline copy. In 2012 R2 you can do it while it's powered. If it's the host itself I would use a cloning utility to clone the server. On big operation when I doubt it can be successful I often do a cloning in such way in a maintenance windows. You can use some tool that boot on a media to do it offline and you set a target of like a USB3/ssd USB storage to store the clone.

    1 person found this answer helpful.

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  1. Thameur-BOURBITA 32,621 Reputation points
    2024-01-17T16:50:04.0633333+00:00

    Hi @Chris Head

    It seems that write cache is enabled and it should be disabled for the Arcserve SPX backup.

    I invite you to read this Microsift arictle talking about how to disable write cache required by some third-party program:

    How to manually turn disk write caching on or off

    If you still have the same error you should contact Arcserve SPXsupport:

    https://www.arcserve.com/support

    Please don't forget to accept helpful answer

    1 person found this answer helpful.