Backing up OpenVZ containers involves creating snapshots of the container filesystem, which can later be restored. Here’s a step-wise procedure on how to achieve this:
1. First of all, you need to log in to OpenVZ host node using SSH.
1. Now navigate to the OpenVZ container’s private area. It usually lies in /vz/private/
1. Once you are in the container’s private directory, you can execute a command to create a tarball (.tar) backup file. Here’s an example:
`tar -czvf /backup/CT_ID.tar.gz .`
1. The above command has created a .tar.gz file which isl ocated in the /backup folder. Ensure you replace CT\_ID with the ID of the container you are backing up. You can choose the destination directory as per your wish.
1. Repeat the process if you aim to backup multiple containers.
Ensure the OpenVZ services are running while you are taking the backup.
Remember to schedule automatic backups since this process only covers manual backups. Cron jobs would be ideal for completing the task.
Please note that the above method can result in a corrupt backup if the container is running and writing to the disk at the moment of the backup.
To ensure you create a consistent backup:
1. Stop the container (vzctl stop CTID)
2. Create the tarball as described before.
3. Restart the container (vzctl start CTID)
Always verify your backups to ensure that your data has been correctly backed up and can be recovered.
For large and critical systems, using dedicated backup software or services which support OpenVZ is recommended.
