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

Summary

In previous versions of ActiveImage Protector up to and including AIP2018 Update 6, it was necessary to create an image of a cluster disk for each node. By applying AIP2018Update7 onwards, one cluster disk image can be shared between nodes for continuous backup.

Procedure

1) On all nodes, clear the checkbox  to “Prepend host name to image file name” in the “Backup option” under [Preferences]->[General].

2) Create a backup schedule for the cluster disk on the first node (the node to which the cluster disk is connected).
* You cannot create a backup schedule that includes a system disk.
* Create a backup schedule for cluster disks only.

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

4) Copy the following files from the first node to the same path on the second node.
* Copy in the same way for clusters with 3 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) Re-Start the AIP service (ActiveImage Protector Service) on the second node.

6) Perform the backup on the node to which the cluster disk is connected.
From then on, even if a failover occurs and the node to which the cluster disk is connected does change, incremental backups from a single full backup image will continue.

Products

AIP2018 Update 7 or later