PC SAFEGUARDING HELP
Discussion
We have a PC that runs 3 machines - if it went pop - it would be painful - what steps can I take and what software do I need to make a proper, BOMB PROOF image/backup etc so that I can recover it in an unfortunate event.
For example - if the HDD's fail - how could I have a copy on a new HDD that I could just slot back into the machine so that the basics and my software works correctly?
CURRENTLY
RAID1 - 2 x 130GB SSD's running Win 8.1 pro + software
All files are stored on dropbox
What do I need to do - what would you suggest?
For example - if the HDD's fail - how could I have a copy on a new HDD that I could just slot back into the machine so that the basics and my software works correctly?
CURRENTLY
RAID1 - 2 x 130GB SSD's running Win 8.1 pro + software
All files are stored on dropbox
What do I need to do - what would you suggest?
If the VMs are running in Virtualbox, then simply shutdown the VMs and back up the .vdi files - IIRC there is a 'create template' option in th emenu which allows you to export the VM as a .ovf file which can be imported on other machines.
If using VMWare, then take a look at 'GhettoVCB' for backups.
If using HyperV then again, just backup the virtual machine files (after shutting down the VMs)
If using VMWare, then take a look at 'GhettoVCB' for backups.
If using HyperV then again, just backup the virtual machine files (after shutting down the VMs)
not being a techie - apologies for not making it clear . . .
we have ONE PC - it runs 3 specialist printing machines - all with their own security dongle and all with their own unique software
what do I need to do to put the PC with all the software as an image in the cloud and then use a local machine to run my machines?
What software - what setup - what system etc
Are you saying that if I put an image of my PC in the cloud - then locally run a virtual machine on the PC with USB pass through - connected to each machine and dongles - everything will work?
Meaning that the PC IMAGE is always protected in the cloud and as long as I have a PC running the virtual machine bit here + the dongles - any PC will be able to operate my printers?
Please treat me like a morn
we have ONE PC - it runs 3 specialist printing machines - all with their own security dongle and all with their own unique software
what do I need to do to put the PC with all the software as an image in the cloud and then use a local machine to run my machines?
What software - what setup - what system etc
Are you saying that if I put an image of my PC in the cloud - then locally run a virtual machine on the PC with USB pass through - connected to each machine and dongles - everything will work?
Meaning that the PC IMAGE is always protected in the cloud and as long as I have a PC running the virtual machine bit here + the dongles - any PC will be able to operate my printers?
Please treat me like a morn
khushy said:
not being a techie - apologies for not making it clear . . .
1. we have ONE PC - it runs 3 specialist printing machines - all with their own security dongle and all with their own unique software
2. what do I need to do to put the PC in the cloud and then use a local machine to run my machines?
3. What software - what setup - what system etc
4 .Are you saying that if I put an image of my PC in the cloud - then locally run a virtual machine on the PC with USB pass through - connected to each machine and dongles - everything will work?
5. Meaning that the PC IMAGE is always protected in the cloud and as long as I have a PC running the virtual machine bit here + the dongles - any PC will be able to operate my printers?
6. Please treat me like a morn
I have numbered things to help with the reply.1. we have ONE PC - it runs 3 specialist printing machines - all with their own security dongle and all with their own unique software
2. what do I need to do to put the PC in the cloud and then use a local machine to run my machines?
3. What software - what setup - what system etc
4 .Are you saying that if I put an image of my PC in the cloud - then locally run a virtual machine on the PC with USB pass through - connected to each machine and dongles - everything will work?
5. Meaning that the PC IMAGE is always protected in the cloud and as long as I have a PC running the virtual machine bit here + the dongles - any PC will be able to operate my printers?
6. Please treat me like a morn
1. Rodger! (What a PITA though
)2. A virtual machine will essentially be like a file you can copy elsewhere, such as cloud storage and physical media such as a USB hard drive.
3. As you will need USB pass-through you would need need either a proper host such as ESXi or VMware Workstation.
4. No I am saying you can run a virtual machine on a PC/Server and keep a copy of it on the cloud.
5. With some tinkering and setup yes.
6. Will do
........................................ just kidding, as said in a different thread, some us do this for a living.To be honest there are other ways that might be a bit easier for you. One of them being just having another PC with all the software and the setup ready to go should the one you are using fall over.
geeks said:
I have numbered things to help with the reply.
1. Rodger! (What a PITA though )
2. A virtual machine will essentially be like a file you can copy elsewhere, such as cloud storage and physical media such as a USB hard drive.
3. As you will need USB pass-through you would need need either a proper host such as ESXi or VMware Workstation.
4. No I am saying you can run a virtual machine on a PC/Server and keep a copy of it on the cloud.
5. With some tinkering and setup yes.
6. Will do ........................................ just kidding, as said in a different thread, some us do this for a living.
To be honest there are other ways that might be a bit easier for you. One of them being just having another PC with all the software and the setup ready to go should the one you are using fall over.
can you pm me and tell me how much this will cost to set up - test first and then get up and running1. Rodger! (What a PITA though
)2. A virtual machine will essentially be like a file you can copy elsewhere, such as cloud storage and physical media such as a USB hard drive.
3. As you will need USB pass-through you would need need either a proper host such as ESXi or VMware Workstation.
4. No I am saying you can run a virtual machine on a PC/Server and keep a copy of it on the cloud.
5. With some tinkering and setup yes.
6. Will do
........................................ just kidding, as said in a different thread, some us do this for a living.To be honest there are other ways that might be a bit easier for you. One of them being just having another PC with all the software and the setup ready to go should the one you are using fall over.
Why not have a spare machine all built up and ready to step in?
Possibly yet another machine offsite (theft, lightning, mains surge etc)
Machines are cheap enough these days.
Your risk would then be the dongles. How long do they take to replace?
And actually swap the machines periodically to prove that they are a valid backup.
Possibly yet another machine offsite (theft, lightning, mains surge etc)
Machines are cheap enough these days.
Your risk would then be the dongles. How long do they take to replace?
And actually swap the machines periodically to prove that they are a valid backup.
khushy said:
<snip>
we have ONE PC - it runs 3 specialist printing machines - all with their own security dongle and all with their own unique software
<snip>
we have ONE PC - it runs 3 specialist printing machines - all with their own security dongle and all with their own unique software
<snip>
I got it all wrong, sorry.
Completely misread the OP.
Edited by TonyRPH on Friday 20th March 14:21
geeks said:
TonyRPH said:
One PC with 3 machines means they must be virtual machines.
What virtualisation program are you running to control these?
If all of this goes over your head, may I respectfully advise that you get some external (paid) support to resolve for you?
No it doesn't! What virtualisation program are you running to control these?
If all of this goes over your head, may I respectfully advise that you get some external (paid) support to resolve for you?
Having re-read the OP I now realise it's running printing machines DOH!
Thanks for the kick.
TonyRPH said:
geeks said:
TonyRPH said:
One PC with 3 machines means they must be virtual machines.
What virtualisation program are you running to control these?
If all of this goes over your head, may I respectfully advise that you get some external (paid) support to resolve for you?
No it doesn't! What virtualisation program are you running to control these?
If all of this goes over your head, may I respectfully advise that you get some external (paid) support to resolve for you?
Having re-read the OP I now realise it's running printing machines DOH!
Thanks for the kick.
TonyRPH said:
I got it all wrong, sorry.
Completely misread the OP.
Edited by TonyRPH on Friday 20th March 14:21
Consider something like BackBlaze. It's almost install and forget. I had a drive fail recently and recovered no problem. Speed of recovery may be an issue depending on what you need. A 4tb drive took the best part of four five days if I recall correctly. Alternatively, get back blaze and build yourself a duplicate machine depending on the criticality of it.
nyt said:
Why not have a spare machine all built up and ready to step in?
Possibly yet another machine offsite (theft, lightning, mains surge etc)
Machines are cheap enough these days.
Your risk would then be the dongles. How long do they take to replace?
And actually swap the machines periodically to prove that they are a valid backup.
OP I think this might be your best solution as it gives you resilience against drive failure & the current PC dying. What are the specs of you current PC? I suspect it wouldn't cost much for a suitable refurb from ebay. You could keep it simple & just have a single SDD rather than the RAID 1 pair you have at the moment (have you got a spare SDD ready to plug in?).Possibly yet another machine offsite (theft, lightning, mains surge etc)
Machines are cheap enough these days.
Your risk would then be the dongles. How long do they take to replace?
And actually swap the machines periodically to prove that they are a valid backup.
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