How to combine backup images of multi-node cluster disks into one

Summary

In previous ActiveImage Protector versions up to AIP2018 Update 6, creating separate cluster disk images for each node was required. Starting from AIP2018 Update 7, a single cluster disk image can be shared among nodes for continuous backup. 

Procedure

1) Uncheck the "Prepend host name to image file name" option under [Preferences]->[General] on all nodes. 

2) Set up a backup schedule for the cluster disk on the initial node (the node connected to the cluster disk).

* Note: You can't include a system disk in the backup schedule.

* Ensure the backup schedule is for cluster disks only. 

3) Pause the AIP service (ActiveImage Protector Service) on the second node. 

4) Duplicate the following files from the first node to the identical path on the second node.

* Repeat the same process for clusters with three or more nodes.

– C:Program Files (x86)ActiphyActiveImage ProtectorProfiles<schedule name>.xml
– C:Program Files (x86)ActiphyActiveImage ProtectorProfiles<schedule name>INC.xml
– C:Program Files (x86)ActiphyActiveImage ProtectorSchedules<schedule name>.xml

5) Restart the AIP service (ActiveImage Protector Service) on the second node.

6) Initiate the backup on the node connected to the cluster disk. Afterward, even during failovers and changes in the connected node, incremental backups will persist from a single full backup image. 

Products

AIP2018 Update 7 or later

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