How to Backup vCenter Server

vCenter Server is a critical component of VMware virtual infrastructure that centralizes the management of virtualized resources. It allows administrators to efficiently manage and monitor virtual machines, hosts, and data centers. As with any important system, it is crucial to have a backup of your vCenter Server. In this article, I will show you how to backup vCenter server step by step.

Configure FTP Server

To backup the vCenter server, you need to have an FTP server. For the purposes of this article, I will set up a FileZilla FTP server.

1. On a Windows VM install FileZilla Server and launch the Administration interface. Click Connect to Server and connect to localhost – 127.0.0.1

2. Click the Server menu and select Configure.

3. In the Servers listeners section select Add and enter Address 127.0.0.1, Port 21. Click Apply when finished.

4. Go to the Users section to create a new user. Click Add, enter username and password. In Virtual path type / and select your user folder. Click Apply when finished.

Configure vCenter Backup

After configuring the FTP server, follow the instructions to backup the vCenter server.

1. Login as root to Appliance Management Interface by going to

https://vCenter_IP:5480

2. Go to the Backup section.

3. Click Backup now.

4. In the Backup location type your FTP server address and folder path. Enter username, password and click Start.

Backup completed

If you want scheduled backups, click Configure in the Backup Schedule section. Then enter a backup location, username, password and choose a schedule – daily, weekly or custom.