Universal VM Backup
This article discusses the Universal VM Backup functionality for protecting virtual machines.
Environment 
- Datto SIRIS
Description
Universal VM Backup allows you to protect virtual machines that host operating systems incompatible with Datto's standard agentless or agent-based methods.
You can protect the following types of virtual machines with Universal VM Backup:
- Virtual machines hosted on Hyper-V hosts.
- Virtual machines with operating systems that Datto does not currently support via other methods.
- Virtual appliances where the OS or filesystem are unknown, such as the following:
- VoIP systems
- Security appliances
- Network Appliances
NOTE The recommended method for protecting vCenter server is through a file based backup, described here: Best Practices for Backing up vCenter Server.
Prerequisites 
Before a Datto appliance can take a Universal VM Backup, it must have a connection to your production hypervisor. For hypervisor connection steps, see the articles:
Virtual machines running supported operating systems on VMware may use Datto's standard agent-based or agentless solutions, which provide a greater range of restore options. Universal VM Backups are available as an alternative or when other options are not available.
To check if your system is supported by our standard options for Windows, Linux, or Mac, see the Additional Resources section at the end of this article.
Pairing a target system for Universal VM Backup
You can pair a target system for Universal VM Backup in the same way that you pair standard agentless systems, but they will be listed as a Universal VM in the selection window. For a detailed overview of this process please follow: Pairing a Target System for Agentless Backups
Limitations
The backup process for Universal VM Backups is similar to our standard agentless and agent-based options, but with some limitations.
Backups are device-level, so the entire machine is backed up. You cannot exclude any volumes.
Local Verification is not available.
Volume-level restores are not supported.
For VMware based Universal VMs:
Screenshots are not available.
File Restores are not available.
Restoring a virtual machine locally
The following restore options are available to restore local Universal VM Backups to your hypervisor.
Starting a local virtualization on a Datto appliance
Virtualization on the Datto Appliance or Datto Cloud may result in varied success rate depending on the Operating System on the guest. This is because UVM backups do not utilize HIR for driver injection. If your VM fails to boot, try again with a different storage controller; if it still does not boot, that system may not be supported for local and cloud virtualization at this time.
Available for Hyper-V paired Universal VM backups only.
Performing a local File Restore
When mounted, file restores will list each virtual disk that was backed up without drive labels, this is expected behavior and you will need to locate the correct virtual disk from the list where data lives.
Available for Hyper-V paired Universal VM backups only.
Provides an export of the full disk, not just the volume. This allows you to replace the virtual disks seamlessly.
Restoring a VM from the Datto Cloud
Two methods are available to restore Universal VM Backups from a backup in the Datto Cloud via the New Recovery Launchpad. Click the links below for more information on each technique.
Provides an export of the full disk, not just the volume. This allows you to replace the virtual disks seamlessly.
Virtualization on the Datto Appliance or Datto Cloud may result in varied success rate depending on the Operating System on the guest. This is because UVM backups do not utilize HIR for driver injection. If your VM fails to boot, try again with a different storage controller; if it still does not boot, that system may not be supported for local and cloud virtualization at this time.
Available for Hyper-V paired Universal VM backups only.
IMPORTANT Because this feature can back up any platform, Datto Technical Support's ability to troubleshoot restored operating systems may be limited.
FAQs
Can I encrypt my backups?
Yes. Universal VM Backups can be encrypted just like standard agent-based and agentless backups.
Can I choose which volumes I back up?
No. Universal VM Backup creates an image of the entire machine. Volume level backup is not supported.
How does retention work with Universal VM Backups?
You can retain Universal VM Backups in the same way as traditional backups. You can set a backup and retention schedule for local and cloud backups via the Datto Remote Web.
Can I run screenshots of my backups?
Screenshot verification is available for Hyper-V paired Universal VM backups. VMware paired Universal VM backups do not allow for screenshot verification.
The Hardware Independent Restore (HIR) process is not available for Universal VM Backups so success rate of the screenshot verifications will depend on the guest operating system and its compatibility. For a higher success rate, you can offload the screenshots to the hypervisor host.
Can I verify my backups?
The traditional verification options for agent-based and agentless backups are not available for Universal VM Backups (ransomware detection, etc).
Can I archive a backup chain from Universal VM Backups?
Yes. Backup chains created with Universal VM backup can be archived in the same manner as traditional backup methods.
