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How to Restore a vCenter Server Appliance

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Read this guide to learn the steps to restore a vCenter Server Appliance (VCSA) from a backup.

Step 1: Create a Host A Record

Restoring a VCSA is a two-step process. In the first step, an appliance VM is created in a nominated ESXi host.

Then, in stage two, the backup will be restored to the appliance.

So, just like you need to create a Host A record for the appliance, you need to do that before you begin the restore process.

To create a Host A record, right-click the Forward Lookup zone in DNS Manager, and choose Host (A or AAA) Record.

To create a Host A record, right-click the Forward Lookup zone in DNS Manager, and choose Host (A or AAA) Record.

Finally, enter the name and IP address of the vCenter server – ensure that the Create associate pointer (PTA) record checkbox is checked – then, click Add Host.

Step 2: Mount the VCSA ISO

Left-click the ISO file to select it, then, click Mount to mount the ISO. If you receive a prompt to confirm that you wish to open the file, click Open.

Left-click the ISO file to select it, then, click Mount to mount the ISO.Left-click the ISO file to select it, then, click Mount to mount the ISO.

Windows will mount the ISO as a DVD drive and open it in File Explorer.

Step 3: Initiate Stage 1 of the VCSA Restore

I recommend performing this step from the Windows computer where you saved the VCSA backup.

  1. From the opened VCSA drive, navigate to “vcsa-ui-installerwin32” and double-click the installer.
  1. Then, on the first page of the vCenter Server Installer, click Restore.
Then, on the first page of the vCenter Server Installer, click Restore. Then, on the first page of the vCenter Server Installer, click Restore.
  1. The introduction page will load, read the information that explains the process, and click Next to begin the first stage.
The introduction page will load, read the information that explains the process, and click Next to begin the first stage. The introduction page will load, read the information that explains the process, and click Next to begin the first stage.
  1. Accept agreement
  1. Specify the Windows SMB share where the backup are stored. Use the format shown below.

192.168.0.104 is the IP address of the Windows Server that hosts the shared folder while VCSABackup is the share name of the folder. Enter the full path to the backup. The final folder starts with either _m (for manual backups) or _s for scheduled backups. 

smb://192.168.0.104:/VCSABackup/vCenter/sn_IPMvVCSA1.lab.infopressmedia.com/M_8.0.2.00000_20240731-184258_JVQW45LBNQQGEYLDNN2XAIDUMVZXI===
  1. Review the backup location details.
  1. Specify the ESXi host to deploy the new appliance and the creds.
  1. On the certificate warning, select Yes.
  1. Give the VCSA VM a name, then enter its root password.
  1. Select deployment size.
  1. Select a datastore to deploy the vCenter VM.
  1. Configure network settings for the appliance VM.
  1. Review the “Ready to complete stage 1” page and click FINISH to begin the first stage of the restore process.

Step 4: Increase the Memory Size of the VCSA VM

If you selected to install the “Tiny” option in stage 1 of the vCenter VM deployment, the VM is assigned 14 GB of RAM. From my experience, this RAM size is not enough for optimal performance.

So, I always make the VM’s RAM size at least 18 GB.

The good news is that CPU and Memory Hot Plug are enabled on the VCSA VM. So, you can modify the VM’s RAM and CPU while it is powered up.

Follow the steep below to make the VM’s RAM at least 18 GB or the memory size of the vCenter VM you’re restoring.

The memory size of the new vCenter VM must be the same as the old one you’re restoring from.

  1. Sign in to the ESXi host you deployed the VCSA VM and click the Virtual Machines node. After that, click on the VM, then click Edit button.
Sign in to the ESXi host you deployed the VCSA VM and click the Virtual Machines node. After that, click on the VM, then click Edit button.Sign in to the ESXi host you deployed the VCSA VM and click the Virtual Machines node. After that, click on the VM, then click Edit button.
  1. Enter a new value for the VM’s Memory and click Save.
Enter a new value for the VM's Memory and click Save. Enter a new value for the VM's Memory and click Save.

Step 5: Initiate Stage 2 of the VCSA Restore

  1. When stage 1 is complete, copy the appliance’s management URL and open it in a browser.
When stage 1 is complete, copy the VCSA's configuration URL, paste it into a browser, and sign in with the root credentials.When stage 1 is complete, copy the VCSA's configuration URL, paste it into a browser, and sign in with the root credentials.
  1. Then, sign in with the root credentials.
  1. On the “Getting Started – vCenter Server” page, choose the Restore option. Then, on the Introduction page of the wizard, click Next to proceed with the Stage 2.
  1. On the Backup details page, enter the full path to the vCenter Server Appliance backup you want to restore. Then, enter the credentials, including the Encryption password if you used one for the backup.
  1. Finally, review the restore settings and click FINISH to start the restore. Remember to shutdown the original VCSA VM before you proceed with this final step.

Wait for the restore to complete.

Conclusion

Restoring a vCenter Server appliance from backup is one way to spin up a new management VM if you lose the old one.

In this guide, I explained the full steps – from creating a Host A record to the two stages of the restore process.

I hope you enjoyed reading this guide as much as I loved writing it!

Let me know how you found the guide by responding to our “Was this page helpful?” feedback request below.

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Victor Ashiedu

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