You can use the API to perform operations related to stage 2 of the installation process. You can also perform backup, restore, and troubleshooting operations.
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Install Stage 2 The vCenter Server API provides methods for performing stage 2 deployment operations on a newly installed vCenter Server instance.
Setting Up a Newly Installed vCenter Server Instance You can use the API to set up a newly deployed vCenter Server instance.
Workflows for Install Stage 2 You can use the vcenter deployment API to run the install stage 2 process of your vCenter Server instance.
File-Based Backup and Restore of vCenter Server You can back up a vCenter Server instance and later restore the instance from the backup copy.
Backing up vCenter Server The vCenter Server Management API supports backing up key parts of the vCenter Server instance. This allows you to protect vCenter Server data and to minimize the time required to restore data center operations.
Backup and Restore Protocols for vCenter Server The vCenter Server backup and restore feature supports a number of plug-in communication protocols.
Calculate the Size Needed To Store the Backup File When you prepare to do a backup of a vCenter Server instance, you can use the API to calculate the storage space needed for the backup file.
Python Example of Calculating the Size Needed To Store the Backup Image This example shows how to use Python to collect the information you need to calculate the size needed to store a backup image of the vCenter Server instance.
Back up a vCenter Server Instance by Using the API You can use the Management API to create a backup of the vCenter Server database and key components of the vCenter Server instance.
Python Example of Backing Up a vCenter Server Instance This example specifies that the backup image should include Statistics, Events, and Tasks as well as the core inventory and alarm data. The value for req.parts indicates the optional data part for Statistics, Events, and Tasks.
Schedule a Backup Job You can automate the backup process by creating a schedule that runs backup jobs at specific times.
Python Example of Scheduling a Backup Job This example shows how you can schedule a backup job, update the schedule, and get a schedule. The example is based on the backup_schedule.py sample.
Restoring vCenter Server The vCenter Server Management API supports restoring a vCenter Server instance from a backup copy. The API simplifies the process by unifying the handling of various components of vCenter Server in a single operation.
Authentication When Restoring a vCenter Server Instance During the process of restoring a vCenter Server instance from a backup image, you cannot use token-based authentication. You must use basic authentication until the vCenter Server instance is fully configured.
Availability of Services While Restoring a vCenter Server Instance During the process of restoring the vCenter Server backup file, services in the vCenter Server instance must restart. While they are restarting, your API client receives an error message.
Restore a vCenter Server Instance by Using the API You can use the Management API of to restore a vCenter Server instance from a backup file containing the vCenter Server database and key components of the vCenter Server instance.
Python Example of Restoring a vCenter Server Instance This example shows how to use Python to restore a vCenter Server instance. This operation is the second phase of restoring the vCenter Server instance from a backup image.
Reconcile a vCenter Server Instance with Nodes in Embedded Linked Mode You can run the reconciliation process after you successfully restored your vCenter Server instance. By using the API or HTTP requests, you can reconcile vCenter Server nodes that work in an embedded linked mode and are connected in a ring or daisy-chain.
Troubleshooting for vCenter Server Installation or Deployment You can use the API to perform troubleshooting operations related to the installation and deployment of vCenter Server .
Managing System Logs You can automate the forwarding of vCenter Server system log messages to remote logging servers by using the vCenter Server Management API.
Configuring Syslog Forwarding You can use the vCenter Server Management API or HTTP requests to configure the forwarding of vCenter Server syslog messages and test the connection between the vCenter Server instance and remote servers.
Python Example of Configuring Syslog Forwarding This example shows how you can configure and test the forwarding of a vCenter Server syslog by using the API. The example is based on the log_forwarding.py sample.
Managing Support Bundles You can retrieve information about support bundles and create support bundles.