Veeam recently published the Veeam Endpoint Backup Release Candidate (RC). I found out about it while browsing through the Forums. Here’s the link to the post: http://forums.veeam.com/veeam-endpoint-backup-f33/veeam-endpoint-backup-free-rc-t26694.html. It contains a list of new features and fixes.
The bits are located here: http://www.veeam.com/download_add_packs/vmware-esx-backup/ep1_rc/. You will be asked to login to complete the download. If you don’t have an account you can create one.
I went back to a previous installation on my old Dell Inspiron 8600 laptop. Details of my first go round with VEB are documented in this post: http://level7techgroup.com/blog/?p=1388.
First thing to note is that you can’t install over an existing implementation. Use the Add Programs and Features wizard to uninstall the previous version. Run the setup program as an Administrator. A window comes up if you have Avast anti-virus installed to either whitelist the Veeam setup program or turn off active screening. I chose to suspend screening until the next time the machine is rebooted. Nice touch, since this was a sticking point the first time around.
Setup takes about the same time as the previous installation. You see progress bars but not a lot of chatter during the setup. When the service starts, setup asks if you want to create the Recovery disk. You can skip this part and create a Recovery media at the time of your choosing.
You can use USB memory stick (32GB minimum), other attached storage, CD/DVD or an .iso Image. I didn’t have a USB of sufficient size but did have some blank CDs on hand. That process apparently writes an image and then transfers it to the CD. This takes a while to complete.
The last thing setup offers is to create the backup job for you. You cans skip this to exit setup and then create the job from the VEB console. The link to it is off of the Start menu or it is visible from the task bar when the service is running.
Backup times are comparable to the initial release. Use the Recovery media to boot up the computer. Your options include the Veeam recovery as well as the Windows Bare Metal Recovery. Also, you will find a Memory Diagnostic, Command Prompt and an option to load the Explorer to recover individual files. When you use the Veeam Recovery option, your options include a Full Image, Volume and File recovery options. I performed a Full Image recovery replacing the entire current drive with the backup image. If you have performed a number of backups, you can choose a rollback time period as well. I chose the current one. My 40GB notebook computer took 1 hour and 6 minutes to complete. It takes a while – enough time for a lunch break and/or a short nap.
So that’s it. Stay tuned for an update on the VEB when the product availability is announced. It will be interesting to see how it’s positioned in the Veeam Infrastructure.
This posting is provided “as is” with no warranties, guarantees or rights whatsoever.
public beta is now available! Below you can find system requirements, the list of new features available in beta and known issues. As always, we are looking forward to your feedback around new and existing functionality. Happy testing!