Can HCI Backup file copy to external drive?

We have HCI that run backup task. The backup file  store in HCI and  NAS storage. is possible to copy the backup file to external drive? if can, hope can share the guide. seem we cannot find it, we only find copy backup file between HCI and NAS storage.

p/s: the external drive now connected on 1 of the node and mount to the vm.

Hi
Yes, it's generally possible to copy backup files from HCI to an external drive, especially since the drive is connected to one of the nodes and mounted to a VM. Here’s a general approach you could follow, depending on the OS and file management capabilities within your HCI and VM environments:

Steps to Copy Backup Files to External Drive
1.Identify Backup File Location:
Ensure you know the exact path where the backup files are stored on the HCI or NAS. If they're stored on a network location, make sure the VM with the mounted external drive has network access to this location.

2.Mount External Drive on the VM (if not already done):
Since you've mentioned the external drive is already mounted to the VM, double-check that it is mounted and accessible by navigating to its mount point on the VM.

3.Copy Backup Files to External Drive:

-Linux VM: Use rsync or cp commands to copy files. For example:

cp /path/to/backup/files/* /path/to/external/drive/
Or, if you want progress feedback:
rsync -avh /path/to/backup/files/ /path/to/external/drive/

-Windows VM: Use a standard file copy operation in File Explorer or use PowerShell:
powershell

Copy-Item -Path "C:\path\to\backup\files\*" -Destination "E:\path\to\external\drive\" -Recurse
Automate the Task (Optional):
If this will be a recurring need, consider creating a script on the VM to periodically copy the backup files to the external drive.

Troubleshooting Tips
Permissions: Ensure the VM has read permissions on the backup file location and write permissions on the external drive.
Network Configuration (for NAS): If accessing backups on NAS, make sure the network share is properly mounted on the VM.
Space Check: Confirm that the external drive has sufficient space for the backups.
This process should work as long as the VM has access to both the source (HCI/NAS) and destination (external drive). If you encounter any specific issues, feel free to ask for further assistance.

Hi, to my knowledge for Sangfor HCI either system backup or backup VM doesn't support copy to external hard drives. However, what you can do is to mount external hard drive as local disk. Then assign the local disk as a backup repository. Create a new policy for the backup VM pointing to the new backup repository. Initiate the backup policy then backup VM will be stored in the external drive. However bear in mind, the external hard drive will be formatted and can't be used for other stuff as it has been assigned as a backup storage for HCI.

If the disk mounted to VM directly, you can only do a normal copy file from VM to external drive.

For system backup can only be supported at minimum 3 nodes deployment. So if you're using 2 nodes only you won't be able to initiate the system backup. Btw this is for the latest version above 6.7.0 firmware version. Below that version you can download the config system backup config.

hi, you can atttach the external drive to your nas and perfrom an automated sync between this external drive and the backup share (on qnap you can use built in sync tool).

Seem the easiest way is to dismount the external harddisk from vm, then add back the external harddisk as backup repository on the node
Then edit the backup policy so the  the backup file copy to external harddisk as archive.

Thank All