The Virtual Machine Controller [VMctrl.exe] is a script that allows you to control virtual machines (guest machines) running
on Microsoft Virtual Server 2005. From a command line you can control all guest virtual machines running on the server.
You can send the following commands to all guest machines or a select few:
- Start Up
- Shut Down
- Save State
- Turn Off
- List Machines
This script works great running it as a scheduled task or a Pre-command / Post-command in Symantec Backup Exec - NEW in version 3.10!
This allows you to save the state of the running guest virtual machines, back them up using your backup software, then start the machines again
when the backups are complete. The syntax for using this utility is available for reference by simply running the utility without
a command line parameter. Or, you may pass the familiar ? parameter to see the syntax and usage examples. In other words if the
utility was on the root of your C:\ drive you can type this line: C:\VMctrl.exe /?
This script will log all actions and errors in the server event log. Event ID's logged will range from 80 through 89. If you are
experiencing difficulties please review the event log for errors.
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provide resources to develop new scripts, and further enhancements to existing scripts.
Screen Shot of Pre/Post-commands in Symantec Backup Exec
In this example, when the Backup Exec job executes, it runs the Pre-command and saves the state of all the virtual machines running on
the target Microsoft Virtual Server. Then, the job runs and backs up the VHD, VMC, and all other associated VM files. After the data
backup is complete, the Post-command runs and starts up all the VM's after a 20 second delay. In this example the utility: VMctrl.exe is
located on the root of the C:\ drive on the target Microsoft Virtual Server.
Screen Shot of Help
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