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StorageCraft ImageManager User Guide

StorageCraft Copyright Declaration

StorageCraft ImageManager, StorageCraft ShadowProtect, StorageCraft Cloud, andStorageCraft Cloud Services, together with any associated logos, are trademarks ofStorageCraft Technology Corporation in the United States and elsewhere. All other brands andproduct names are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

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Table of Content

Table of Content1 ImageManager Overview

1.1 ImageManager Features1.2 HeadStart Restore Scenarios

2 What's New3 Install ImageManager

3.1 Minimum System Requirements3.2 Upgrade from older ImageManager Versions3.3 Installation Steps3.4 Activate ShadowStream

4 ImageManager Quick Start5 User Interface Overview

5.1 Folder Management Task Bar5.2 Connected Agents Pane5.3 Managed Folder Pane

6 Configure ImageManager6.1 Connect ImageManager Agents6.2 Select Agent Passwords6.3 Authenticate Agents6.4 Configure Agents6.5 Managed Folder Settings6.6 Configure Notifications

7 Verify Backup Images7.1 Supported Versions of VirtualBox

8 Consolidate Backup Images9 Retention Settings Override10 Replicate Backup Images11 HeadStart Restore

11.1 Create HSR Job11.2 Finalize HSR Jobs

12 Browse Backup Images13 StorageCraft ShadowStream14 Creating Key Files

© 2016 StorageCraft Technology Corporation StorageCraft Support Center of 41

http://www.storagecraft.com/support

StorageCraft ImageManager User GuideWelcome to the StorageCraft® ImageManager™ User Guide. This guide describes how to use ImageManager to manage backupimage files created with StorageCraft ShadowProtect®.

The guide includes the following major sections:

ImageManager OverviewImageManager InterfaceConfiguring ImageManagerVerifying Backup Image FilesConsolidating Backup Image FilesRetention Settings OverrideReplicating Backup Image FilesUsing HeadStart RestoreBrowsing Backup Image FilesStorageCraft ShadowStreamCreating Key Files

Additional Information

For new or additional details, see:

ImageManager English ReadMe links you to the full ReadMe which contains enhancements, fixed issues and known issues.StorageCraft technical support lists important support information. StorageCraft glossary lists definitions for all StorageCraft products.StorageCraft ShadowProtect User Guide contains detailed ShadowProtect product information.

Documentation Conventions

Note: A note is indicated by this (green) symbol. Typically notes indicate something you should be aware of but that isn'tlikely to affect stability or performance.

Important: An important note is indicated by this (yellow) symbol. Typically important notes will help you configure or usethe cloud in the best way and will keep you from having various problems down the road.

Warning: A warning note is indicated by this (red) symbol. Typically warnings help you avoid serious problems. They alsoindicate essential information. Not following the advice of a warning may cause you to lose data or may result in the need tostart one of the processes over again.

ImageManager User Guide document version 7.0.2April 2016

1 ImageManager OverviewStorageCraft ImageManager helps you maintain and manage backup image files and storage space used by those files. Based on apolicy that you create, ImageManager automatically consolidates incremental backup image files into daily, weekly, and monthlyincremental images. ImageManager also provides ongoing verification and replication services for your backup images.

ImageManager consists of these components:

ImageManager Service: A Windows service that performs the backup file management for policies you define.

ImageManager Client: The UI that lets you create and manage retention policies for your ShadowProtect environment.

This section includes these topics:

ImageManager Features



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HeadStart Restore Scenarios

Note: ImageManager policies only apply when you are using the continuous incrementals backup schedule defined inShadowProtect. Standard weekly and monthly backup schedules do not use ImageManager and have separate retentionpolicies. For more information, see "Creating Backup Image Files" in the ShadowProtect User Guide.

1.1 ImageManager FeaturesImageManager has the following basic features:

Verify: Based on a frequency that you define, ImageManager automatically verifies, and re-verifies, the integrity of backupimage files. This is similar to manual verification when using the Verify Wizard in ShadowProtect.

Consolidate: Based on a policy that you define, ImageManager automatically consolidates incremental backup image files.This limits the risk of having large backup image file chains where one bad file can render a whole backup image useless.

Retain: Based on a policy you define, ImageManager automatically deletes and/or retains image files after a selected periodof time. These policies apply to intra-daily, daily, and weekly image files. You can also define how long to keep consolidatedmonthly images (-cm) (1 to 120 months) before cleaning them up. This creates a rolling consolidated image file (-cr) thatconsists of the number of specified -cm image files.

Replicate (Local): Based on a profile that you define, ImageManager automatically creates redundant copies of backupimage files to locally-attached hard drives. Smart replication technology evaluates the consolidation policy to avoidtransferring unnecessary or obsolete backup image files.Replicate (Network): Based on a profile that you define, ImageManager automatically creates redundant copies of backupimage files to a network share.iFTP Replication (Off-site): Based on a profile that you define, ImageManager automatically creates and sends copies ofbackup image files to a remote server using intelligentFTP for off-site replication.HeadStart Restore: HeadStart Restore (HSR) is the ability to restore a backup image while ShadowProtect continues to addIncremental backup images to the same backup image chain. For information about using HeadStart Restore, see HeadStartRestore Scenarios.

Beyond these basic features, ImageManager offers additional premium features available with the purchase of a job license orStorageCraft Cloud service level agreement:

Replicate (Cloud Services): Based on a profile that you define, ImageManager automatically replicates encrypted backupimage files to the StorageCraft Cloud.

ShadowStream Replication (Off-site): Based on a profile that you define, ImageManager automatically creates and sendscopies of backup image files to a remote server using high-speed ShadowStream replication for off-site replication.

For more information about licensing ImageManager or its premium features, see Activate ShadowStream.

1.2 HeadStart Restore ScenariosWith StorageCraft HeadStart Restore (HSR), you can start a system restoration before a disaster hits. These scenarios illustratesome of the ways to benefit from HSR.

Virtual Server Migration

Problem: You need to migrate a virtual database-server with 2TB of data to a new virtual machine environment, but you cannotafford to have the server offline for three days to migrate the data.

ImageManager Solution: Keep the old server running, and generating incremental backups, while you begin a HeadStart Restoreof the same backup image chain into a virtual machine file (VMDK, ESX Server, VHD). Over time, the HSR catches up to the mostcurrent incremental from the database-server. You can then take the old server down during off-hours, apply the final incrementalbackup to the new server. You can then bring the new system online very quickly.

You can to do a Hardware Independent Restore (HIR) to make sure the migrated OS boots properly on the new machine.




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Hardware Failure

Problem: You have a database server and the 20TB disk array crashes. You need to get the system back online and replace thedisk subsystem.

ImageManager Solution: Use ShadowProtect's VirtualBoot feature to boot the latest backup image of your database server.Configure the VM to continue adding incremental backups to your original backup image chain. Users can then continue to use theVM database server as if the original is still online.

After you start the VM, you can then start a HeadStart Restore (HSR) to the database server's new disk-subsystem. When HSRcatches up to the most current incremental, you can then:

1. Finalize the HSR installation on the new disk subsystem2. Take the VM down3. Bring the original database server back online.

Virtual Standby Server

Problem: You want to have a stand-by server that can take over if your primary server fails, but you can't afford the high-pricedserver mirroring technology.

ImageManager Solution: Your production server generates continuous incremental backups. Configure an HSR solution toautomatically restore those incremental backup images into a virtual machine file (VMDK, ESX Server, or VHD). If your productionserver fails for any reason, finalize the HSR, then use the Recovery Environment to apply any remaining incremental images to thevirtual machine (a matter of minutes), then bring it online as a replacement for the failed production server.

2 What's New

New Features for ImageManager 7.0Advanced Image Verification (using VirtualBoot)Backup Store ManagementExpandable Managed FoldersManaged Folder FiltersImageManager Licensing Changes

Advanced Image Verification (using VirtualBoot)

Set specific backups to automatically boot via integrated StorageCraft VirtualBoot™ technology.creen.Recieve a screen shot of the login page as verification that the VirtualBoot process was successful.Configure advanced image verification to occur on a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule.

Backup Store Management

Configure a single managed folder containing multiple subfolders as a Backup Store.Policy settings will apply to the subfolders within the backup store.New sub folders are by default automatically managed and inherit the settings of the backup store.Override the settings for the Backup Store subfolders.

Verification

Backup Store is the top level for Verification policiesBackup Store subfolders can override parent Backup Store Verification policy

Consolidation

Must be set individually on each folder.

Retention

Global agent policy is the top level for Retention policies.




Backup Store folder can override the Global policy.Backup Store Subfolders can override parent Backup Store Retention policy

Expandable Managed Folders

Expand managed folders to show detailed job information including

Replication jobsHeadStart Restore jobsintelligentFTP jobsShadowStream jobs

Managed Folder Filters

View groups of folders with common characteristics:

All FoldersFailing FoldersSyncing FoldersOffline FoldersFolders with Running TasksFolders with JobsFolders with Replication JobsFolders with HeadStart Restore JobsFolders without Jobs

ImageManager Licensing Changes

In addition to Verification, Consolidation, and Retention, the following activities no longer require a license

Network ReplicationiFTP ReplicationHeadStart Restore

3 Install ImageManagerThis section covers:

Minimum System RequirementsUpgrade from older ImageManager VersionsInstallation StepsActivate ShadowStream

3.1 Minimum System Requirements

Minimum Hardware Requirements

ImageManager has the following hardware requirements:

At least 1 GB physical RAM (4 GB recommended).At least 75 MB of free hard disk space for installation files.Must meet the minimum operating system support requirements listed in the following section.

Note: These are the minimum requirements for systems where you are running only ImageManager. If you are runningother applications that require additional memory or processing power you need to make sure your system can handle theload.




Operating System Support

ImageManager runs on:

Windows OS Version

Windows Server 2012 R2 (Requires .NET3.5)

(64-bit x64)

Windows Server 2012 (Requires .NET3.5)

(64-bit x64)

Windows Small Business Server 2011 (64-bit x64)

Windows Server 2008 R2 Foundation (64-bit x64)

Windows Server 2008 R2 (32-bit x86 and 64-bit x64)

Windows Server 2008 (32-bit x86 and 64-bit x64)

Windows Small Business Server 2008 (32-bit x86 and 64-bit x64)

Windows EBS Server 2008 (32-bit x86 and 64-bit x64)

Windows Server 2003 (32-bit x86 and 64-bit x64)

Windows Small Business Server 2003Standard

(32-bit x86 and 64-bit x64)

Windows Small Business Server 2003Premium

(32-bit x86 and 64-bit x64)

Windows 10 (Requires .NET 3.5) (32-bit x86 and 64-bit x64)

Windows 8.1 (Requires .NET 3.5) (32-bit x86 and 64-bit x64)

Windows 8 (Requires .NET 3.5) (32-bit x86 and 64-bit x64)

Windows 7 (32-bit x86 and 64-bit x64)

Windows Vista Home Basic (32-bit x86 and 64-bit x64)

Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit x86 and 64-bit x64)

Windows Vista Ultimate (32-bit x86 and 64-bit x64)

Windows Vista Enterprise (32-bit x86 and 64-bit x64)

Windows Vista Business (32-bit x86 and 64-bit x64)

Windows XP Media Center (32-bit x86 and 64-bit x64)

Windows XP Professional (SP2 or above) (32-bit x86 and 64-bit x64)

Windows XP Home (SP2 or above) (32-bit x86 and 64-bitx64)

Note: ImageManager runs on most Windows operating systems but StorageCraft recommends using a Windows Serveroperating system such as Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows Server 2012.

Other Requirements

Microsoft .NET version 3.5 Required

ImageManager requires Microsoft .NET version 3.5 Service Pack 1 (for some operating systems) or higher (for other operatingsystems). You must ensure that the right version of .NET is installed before installing ImageManager 7. The information below willhelp you decide which versions of .NET are needed for your operating system.




Windows Server 2012 normally has .NET4.5 installed by default. You also must install .NET 3.5 manually. The installer for.NET 3.5 is under the "Turn Windows Features on or off" option.Windows 10 normally has .NET 4.5 installed by default. You also must install .NET 3.5 Service Pack 1 manually. The installerfor .NET 3.5 is under the "Turn Windows Features on or off" option.Windows 8 normally has .NET 4.5 installed by default. You also must install .NET 3.5 Service Pack 1 manually. The installerfor .NET 3.5 is under the "Turn Windows Features on or off" option.Windows Server 2008 R2 does not come with .NET Framework pre-installed. The installer for .NET 3.5 is under the "TurnWindows Features on or off" option and must be installed manually.*Windows Server 2008 does not come with the .NET Framework pre-installed. The installer for .NET 3.0 is under the "TurnWindows Features on or off" option. However, ImageManager requires version 3.5 or 4.0. The ImageManager installerattempts to download and install .NET 3.5 or higher. If that fails, you can download and install the Framework manually.*Windows Server 2003 R2 requires a manual installation of .NET 3.5 (in some cases) before you can install ImageManager 6.*Windows Vista normally has .NET 3.0 installed by default. The ImageManager installer attempts to download and install.NET 3.5 or higher. If that fails, you can download and install the Framework manually.Windows 7 normally has .NET 3.5 installed by default.

* The Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 can be downloaded here.

Folder and File Names

ImageManager does not support folders or filenames containing an apostrophe ( ' ).

ShadowStream Activation

Automatic activation requires an Internet connection.Manual Activation requires you to complete the form on the StorageCraft Product Activation page.

3.2 Upgrade from older ImageManager VersionsWhen you upgrade ImageManager from an older version you don't need to uninstall the earlier version. However you should closethe ImageManager Console (if it is running) prior to doing the upgrade (repair) install.

If the install appears to succeed, but the service fails to start or the client does not connect, run the installer again and select Repair.

Warning: Run the installation as a Windows administrator to prevent losing settings from previous installations. Right clickon the ImageManagerSetup.exe file then select Run as administrator.

3.3 Installation Steps To install ImageManager:

1. Launch the ImageManager installer (ImageManagerSetup.exe).You can find the ImageManager installer on the StorageCraft Software Updatespage.

Warning: Run the installation as a Windows administrator to prevent losing settings from previous installations. Rightclick on the ImageManagerSetup.exe file then select Run as administrator

2. Select the language then click OK.3. Click Next on the ImageManager Wizard Welcome page.4. Follow the steps in the Installation Wizard to install the ImageManager software.5. Click Finish when the installation is finished.6. Reboot the computer to ensure all drivers load properly.7. Click Start > Programs > StorageCraft > StorageCraft ImageManager to start ImageManager.

Modifying the Configuration File

The ImageManager agent loads automatically after installing ImageManager. A configuration file (ImageManager.exe.config) isused to set the agent parameters. You can change the port used by the ImageManager agent in the configuration file, if necessary.



http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=22

http://www.storagecraft.com/product_activation.php

https://www.storagecraft.com/downloads/software-updates


3.4 Activate ShadowStreamStorageCraft licenses ShadowStream on a per-job basis. Each ShadowStream job supports one Remote Replication (Off-site) jobusing ShadowStream. ShadowStream jobs can be reassigned to a different folder or to a different agent as needed.(See ShadowStream for details.)

Note: You can purchase as many ShadowStream jobs as needed, but each productkey is activated for only a single ImageManager console. You cannot purchase aShadowStream license and then move its job operations among multipleImageManager consoles.

To activate ImageManager premium features

1. In the Configuration pane of the ImageManager console, click Licensing.

2. In the job licenses dialog box, provide the requested information, then click Activate.

• Name: (Optional) Specify the name of the product purchaser.• Organization: (Optional) Specify the name of the company.• Product Key: Enter the Product Key for purchased ShadowStream jobs.ImageManager communicates with the StorageCraft Licensing server.

3. If the activation is successful, click OK.If the activation was not successful, review the message to determine why it failed. To correct the problem:

1. Review the information accuracy in the Job Licenses dialog box. Correct any errors, then click Activate to resubmit theactivation request.

2. If your computer cannot successfully communicate to the activation server or the Internet, wait for a while and try theactivation process again. If you continue to have problems activating these features, contact Product Support.

You can also activate manually by going to the StorageCraft Product Activation page if automatic activation can't be done.

Assigning ShadowStream Jobs

ImageManager can be configured to use ShadowStream replication after it is activated. The assignment of jobs is accomplishedthrough the Job Licenses dialog for ShadowStream Replication. ImageManager licenses for ShadowStream are listed in the JobLicenses dialog box after they are activated:






Field Description

Available Shows the total number of purchased ShadowStream jobs. This pool is available to all ImageManager agents.

Assignedto Agent

Shows the number of the purchased ShadowStream jobs assigned to the selected agent.

Use the Assigned to Agent column to dynamically assign jobs or modify their assignments. Use the selector tospecify or modify the assignment. Click Update to reflect the new assignment.

Note: You cannot reduce the number assigned to this agent to less than the number already in use by jobs forthis agent. If you need to do so, you must delete those job(s) first in order to reduce this number.

In Use byAgent Shows the number of jobs actually in use by ImageManager for this selected agent.

4 ImageManager Quick Start

To start using StorageCraft ImageManager

1. Install ImageManager.2. Launch and configure ImageManager. See the notes on Configuring ImageManager for the first time below.

Configuring ImageManager

These are the key steps to configure ImageManager. Specific step-wise details are included their respective sections of the userguide.

Managing Folders

1. Start Managing Folders under Managed Folder Tasks.2. Start the Verification process under Managed Folder Tasks.3. Define your Consolidation plan under Managed Folder Tasks.4. Select your Retention options under Managed Folder Tasks.5. Select the Folder Settings under Managed Folder Tasks.




Agent Tasks

1. Connect to the ImageManager Agent or Disconnect from the Agent under Agent Tasks.2. Start Processing the files to be managed under Agent Tasks.3. Set up your Notification Settings under Agent Tasks.4. Fine tune your Agent Settings (if necessary) under Agent Tasks (Performance Tab).5. Adjust or fine tune Global Retention Settings in Agent Settings under Agent Tasks.6. If you need to use premium services complete Licensing under Agent Tasks.

Replication

1. Define your replication target(s). Options include: a local machine, a network drive, or offsite location, the StorageCraft Cloud(requires premium services)

2. Create a seed drive for backup images (if you want to replicate to the StorageCraft Cloud)3. Create and configure a HeadStart Restore (HSR) job.

5 User Interface OverviewThe ImageManager user interface consists of the:

Folder Management Task BarConnected Agents PaneManaged Folder Pane

5.1 Folder Management Task Bar





Folder Management Task Bar (Top Pane)

Managed Folder Tasks (These are going away/ moved to another location)

Link Function / Description

View

Use the drop-down menu to select from the following viewoptions.

All Folders Failing Folders Syncing Folders Offline Folders Folders With Running Tasks Folders with Jobs Folders with Replication Jobs Folders with HeadStart JobsFolders Without Jobs

Sort

Use the sort feature to adjust the order of displayed folders. Failures First (A-Z) Failures First (1-N) Folder Path (A-Z) Folder Path (Z-A) Folder Priority (1..N) Folder Priority (N..1)

Expand All FoldersExpand the view to display all Backup Stores, Folders, andSubfolders and their associated activities.

Collapse All Folders Collapse the view to hid all subfolders and activities.

Start ManagingFolder

Select the storage locations for backup image files and startmanaging them with ImageManager. (See Start ManagingFolder on the Managed Folder Settings page).

Stop Managing Folder Stop managing the selected folder and remove it from theManaged Folder window.

Create ReplicationJob

(Only visble from the subfolder level)

Create HeadStartRestore Job


Properties... Opens the Managed Folder Settings dialog to adjust General,Verification, and Retention settings.

5.2 Connected Agents PaneThe Connected Agents Pane displays a list of connected ImageManager agents. ImageManager displays the information for theselected agent.




The Connected Agents Pane also provides links to ImageManager features and functionality:

Agent Tasks

Button or Link Function or Description

Connect to Agent Connect to an ImageManager agent on the same system or another system. (see Connecting to anImageManager Agent).

Disconnect Agent Disconnect the ImageManager Console from the selected ImageManager agent.

Start Processing Perform the operations defined in the verification and consolidation schedules.

NotificationSettings

Select default or custom settings for ImageManager email events and notifications. (see ConfiguringImageManager Notifications).

Licensing Select and configure ImageManager agent licensing options (see Configuring an ImageManagerAgent).

Agent Settings Select ImageManager agent options and configure the settings. (see Configuring an ImageManagerAgent).

Help Tasks

Button or Link Function or Description

View HelpContents

StorageCraft ImageManager user guide

5.3 Managed Folder PaneThe managed folder pane (center) displays information about the connected ImageManager agent. Select a managed folder in thelist to begin adjusting management settings.




The managed folder pane provides the following information about each managed folder:

Link Description

Folder NodesSpans all colums. Lists the managed folder or Backup Store, itspath, Auto-Manage status (if Off), and the number of backupimage files in each expanded subfolder.

Activity/JobLists the name of a built-in activity (Verification, Consolidation,Retention) or the name of a user-defined activity, or job (iFTP,ShadowStream, Cloud Services, HSR).

Current Action Describes the activity currently being perfomed on the folder.

Current Progress Displays the progress of activities being performed.

Managed Folder Activities

Below each subfolder you can access the activities for that folder.


Verification

Double click the link (or right-click and select Properties) to openthe Managed Folder Settings for this folder to the Verification tab.Configure the automated verification service. (see Verifying BackupImage Files).

Consolidation

Double click the link (or right-click and select Properties) to openthe Consolidation Settings for this folder. ConfigureImageManager's consolidation service. (see Consolidating BackupImage Files).

RetentionDouble click the link (or right-click and select Properties) to openthe Managed Folder Settings for this folder to the Retention tab.Configure which image files ImageManager retains, and how longthey are kept. (see Consolidating Backup Image Files).

Replicatebackup images...

(Only visible when a Replication job exists for the selected folder.)Double click the link (or right-click and select Properties) to openthe Replication Target dialog.

HeadStartRestore

(Only visible when a HeadStart Restore job exists for the selectedfolder.)

Errors and Warnings

Errors andWarnings

This image is overlaid on the folder or activity experiencing theerror. Selecting a folder or activity with errors will displayadditional information in the lower pane. See the example below.




Managed Folder Context Menu

Access the Managed Folder Context Menu by right-clicking on a managed folder or one of the activities listed below. Some optionsare only available at the subfolder level. When appropriate, the same icons also apprear in the Folder Management Pane.


Expand All FoldersExpand the view to display all Backup Shares, Folders, andSubfolders and their associated activities.

Collapse AllFolders

Collapse the view to hid all subfolders and activities.

Start ManagingFolder

Select the storage locations for backup image files and startmanaging them with ImageManager. (See Start ManagingFolder on the Managed Folder Settings page).

Stop ManagingFolder

Stop managing the selected folder and remove it from theManaged Folder window.

Create Job (Only visble from the subfolder level)

ReplicationClick here to begin creating a network, iFTP, orShadowStream Replication job.

HeadStartRestore


Delete Job Deletes a Replication or HeadStart Restore job.

Disable Temporarity pauses an activity (Verification, Consolidation,or Retention) or job (Replication or HeadStart Restore).

Enable Resumes a previously paused activity or job.

Finalize...Opens the Finalize dialog box, where you can prepare theselected HSR target for use once the restoration process iscomplete (see Finalizing a HeadStart Job).

Properties... Opens the settings for the specified activity or job.

6 Configure ImageManagerBefore using any of the ImageManager services, you must configure the ImageManager console to access the system you want to




manage. These configuration tasks follow a logical order:

Connect ImageManager AgentsConfigure an ImageManager AgentCreate a Managed FolderConfigure ImageManager Notifications

6.1 Connect ImageManager AgentsConnect the ImageManager console to one or more ImageManager agents to manage backup image files.

To connect to an ImageManager agent:

1. Launch the ImageManager console.

2. In the Connect dialog box, provide the required information, then click connect.

Server The name or IP address of the system running the ImageManageragent. You can use the localhost server name to connect to anImageManager agent running on the same system as theImageManager console.

Click Find to browse the network by computer name for a systemyou want to connect to.

Port The TCP port used to communicate with the ImageManager agent.The default ImageManager agent port is 56765. You can change theport used by ImageManager in theImageManager\ImageManager.exe.config file.

Note: You might need to modify your firewall settings tomake the ImageManager agent port accessible.

Password The ImageManager agent password. The default password, whenconnecting to an ImageManager agent for the first time, is"password". ImageManager prompts you to change the passwordafter connecting for the first time.

Click I don't know my password to get instructions about how toreset a forgotten password. See Resetting the Agent Password.

ImageManager connects to the specified agent and displays its icon in the Connected Agents Pane.

Connecting to Multiple ImageManager Agents

To connect to multiple ImageManager agents simultaneously

1. Click Connect to Agent in the Connected Agents Pane. ImageManager opens the Connect dialog box.2. Specify the details for the additional ImageManager agent.3. Click Connect.

ImageManager connects to this additional agent and adds the agent's icon to the Connected Agents Pane.

6.2 Select Agent Passwords




Connect to ImageManager Agents the first time with the default password of password. You must then select a new (your own)agent password while connected.

If you forget your selected password, use the StorageCraft password reset utility to change it back to the default.

To reset the agent password

1. Make sure the ImageManager console is closed.2. Download (save) the Password Reset utility to a location of your choice.3. Browse to the location where you saved the utility.4. Run (as administrator) the Password Reset utility (right-click on ImageManager.ResetPassword.exe, then select Run as

Administrator).5. Restart ImageManager. 6. Connect to the ImageManager agent using the default password of password. 7. When prompted, select a new agent password of your choice.

Agent vs Managed Folder Passwords

ImageManager supports the option to manage encrypted backup files without an SPK file. This means that the password relatedSPK file is not in the same folder as the backup chain. In order to use this feature and still allow ImageManager to manage thesebackup chains, the user needs to configure ImageManager to use an Agent-wide and/or Managed Folder-wide password. Thepassword needs to match the password used to encrypt the backup files. The password at the Managed Folder level takesprecedence over the Agent-level password. ImageManager will then store the passwords in the normal Windowsprotected/encrypted data stores.

Note: In order to create an encrypted backup chain that includes an SPK file you need to use ShadowProtect 5.2.0 or newer.

6.3 Authenticate AgentsThe ImageManager console needs to authenticate to the agent through a secure TCP connection.

Same Domain Authentication

If the console and agent are installed on the same computer, or on computers in the same Windows domain, the authenticationhappens automatically in the background.

Different Domain or Workgroup Authentication

However, if the console and agent are installed on computers in different domains, or in a Windows workgroup, you must create auser account on the agent computer for the console to use. This account must use the same credentials (username and password)as the user (logged-in) that started the console.

An example for the MSHOME workgroup:

On the Console ComputerIn the MSHOME workgroupLogged in as JDoeImageManager Console running

On the Agent ComputerIn the MSHOME workgroupNot logged inUser account JDoe must existPassword for JDoe must be the same as user JDoe on the console computer.ImageManager Agent running (under the context of LocalSystem)

Important: In this scenario the agent computer must have an account named "JDoe". The password for the "JDoe" useraccount on the agent computer must be the same as the password for the "JDoe" user account on the console computer. Thisallows the ImageManager console to successfully authenticate to the ImageManager agent.



http://downloads.storagecraft.com/SP_Files/ImageManager.ResetPassword.exe


6.4 Configure AgentsThere are two ImageManager Agent configuration options:

Agent SettingsLicensing

Agent Settings

Select Agent Settings to modify ImageManager agent settings. The Agent Settings dialog includes the following tabs:

GeneralPerformanceGlobal RetentionLocationsAbout

Licensing

See Activate ShadowStream for additional information.

GeneralThe settings on the General tab let you configure or modify the ImageManager agent properties.

To configure ImageManager agent properties:

1. In the ImageManager console, select the ImageManager agent that you want to configure.2. In the Connected Agents Pane, click Agent Settings.3. In the General tab of the Agent Settings dialog box, provide the required information, then click Save.




Control (Default: Enabled at 12:00 AM) Lets you specify a time of day when the ImageManager agent performs itsdaily validation and consolidation operations. Disabling this setting suspends the ImageManager agent's automated re-verification and consolidationservices. However, you can manually start the agent processing of a single job, multiple jobs, or all jobs byclicking Start Processing in the Connected Agents Pane.

DefaultFolderCredentials

The default authentication credentials used by the ImageManager agent to access managed folders. You canoverride these credentials for a specific managed folder, if necessary (see Create a Managed Folder).

Access Click Change Agent Password to update the password used to access the ImageManager agent.

Check the Use global password to open encrypted images box if you want to use the same encryptionpassword for all jobs on your site contained in all folders being managed by ImageManager.

Important: There is no need to use a global password if the .SPK files are contained in the managedfolders. Processing problems can occur if you use an improper global password. See the Warning inthe Use Password section on the Managed Folder Settings page.

Note: To modify the ImageManager agent port setting, edit the ImageManager configuration file:ImageManager\ImageManager.exe.config.

PerformanceThe settings on the Performance tab let you configure or modify how the ImageManager agent uses system resources.

The Performance tab has these settings:

Agent ThrottlingReplication ThrottlingConcurrent Processing

Agent Throttling

Use the Agent Throttling setting to increase or decrease the CPU cycles available for processing ImageManager operations. Thissetting lets you prioritize ImageManager against other CPU-intensive application tasks. The default setting is 50%, which meansthat ImageManager can use up to 50% of CPU processing time to complete its work. The adjustable range is from Low (1%) toHigh (100%).




To modify the setting, click on and move the arrow to the left or right of the scale. As the arrow moves, the percentage valuechanges to reflect the new setting.

Replication Throttling for iFTP, ShadowStream, and Cloud

This optional setting lets you manage the network bandwidth used by ImageManager by limiting transfer speeds. Replicationthrottling allows you to modify how fast ImageManager can upload data to a remote site. When "Limit maximum transfer speeds" isenabled, the default throttling setting is 1 Mbps, with a range from 1Kbps to 999 Gbps. This setting applies to intelligentFTP,ShadowStream (licensed job required), and StorageCraft Cloud replication jobs. The download speed (the transfer rate from theremote site back to the agent) is fixed at 15Mbps maximum.

Note Throttling applies to each job instead of all jobs which means network usage increases as jobs are added. For examplenetwork usage will double when two jobs are running instead of just one. However, replication throttling is a global settingfor all jobs unless you override global throttling when you configure a job.

Concurrent Processing

Use this setting to control the maximum number of folders to be processed simultaneously and the maximum number of jobsprocessed simultaneously for replication and HeadStart Restore. These settings give you more granular control over the number ofjobs and folders ImageManager works on at the same time.

Note: Concurrent jobs apply to the replication type, NOT all replication jobs.

Global RetentionGlobal Retention allows you to manage automatic cleanup settings for all managed folders. ImageManager deletes the files after thenumber of days specified (unless they are required for other operations).

You can reduce the amount of storage space used by managing, consolidating and deleting image files that aren't needed.

Automatically clean up backupimage files in all managedfolders

Checking this box turns on global retention and enables you to:

Keep intra-daily files for at least: 7 days (default). You can select between 1 and 365days.Keep consolidated daily image files for at least: 15 days (default). You can selectbetween 7 and 365 days.Keep consolidated weekly image files for at least: 90 days (default). You can selectbetween 30 and 365 days.




Cleanup Consolidated Monthlyimage files

You can reduce the amount of storage space used by deleting consolidated monthly filesafter the amount of time specified in the setting. The default minimum time is 12 months.

Move Consolidated daily andweekly image files

Consolidated daily and weekly images can be moved into a subdirectory if you choose notto delete them.

Note: These settings can be used in conjunction with the retention settings override checkbox. This option can be found onthe Retention tab of the Managed Folder Setttings dialog for each folder.

LocationsThe Locations tab simplifies the task of maintaining the destinations for your ImageManager jobs. By defining resource paths inthe Locations tab, you can use these resources as you define ImageManager jobs. You can also globally modify the specific types,paths, or credentials used to access these resources (as they may change over time) without having to modify each ImageManagerjob that uses these destinations.

The list shows each resource by Type, Name, and Path.

To Add a new Location1. In the Locations tab, click the icon to display the Location Settings dialog:

2. In the Location Settings dialog, enter the required information then click Save.

Location types and settings are:

Field Description

Type Local drive: Replicate to any locally attached device.Network drive: Replicate to a network resource such as a server, NAS, or BDR.intelligentFTP: Replicate remotely using iFTP.StorageCraft ShadowStream server: Replicate remotely using ShadowStream.StorageCraft Legacy ShadowStream server: Replicate remotely using Legacy ShadowStream.VMware ESX/ESXi Server: Replicate to a VMware server.StorageCraft Cloud Services: Replicate remotely to StorageCraft Cloud Services.





Server You can use UNC, IP address, or server name.

Share Specify which Windows share on the server you wish to use for this location.

Authentication (Default: Disabled)--Provide ImageManager with the authentication credentials needed to log into the server ornetwork resource (Domain/Computer/NAS name, Username, and Password).

Name (Optional) Enter a descriptive name for the location.

Path Enter the path for the location.

Authentication Enter the credentials (if needed) to access the location.

To Delete a Location

Note: ImageManager can't delete a Location that is in use by a replication job. You must first modify or delete that jobbefore deleting the Location.

1. Click on the location you want to remove.2. Click on the icon at the upper-right of the dialog.

ImageManager removes the selected destination location from this agent's list.

To Modify a Location

1. Select the location you want to modify.2. Click the Edit icon .

3. In the Location Settings dialog, modify the location's path or credentials.4. Click Save to save your changes.

The agent job is now configured to use the new settings for this Location.

Drive Settings

Location settings can be for local or network drives.

Local Drive Settings

For a Local Drive, ImageManager only asks for a path to the resource. Click on the Browse button to select the path. (Browse onlydisplays locally-attached drives.) For example, a local drive path might be: E:\Replicate.

Network Drive Settings

For a Network Drive, ImageManager requires:

intelligentFTP Settings

intelligentFTP Settings

For a remote replication using the intelligentFTP tool, ImageManager requires:



http://www.storagecraft.com/support/node/19121


Path Path to the FTP server

Note: You need a functioning FTP server and link between the local and the remote site forintelligentFTP to use. Unlike a manual FTP transfer, the intelligentFTP tool automates the process toensure that the image chain replicated at the remote site is restorable.

Security ImageManager can encrypt the FTP link using either SSL or SSH based on how the Destination FTP server isconfigured. You can choose None, SSL or SSH.

Block Size (Default: 65536 bytes)--The size range is from 1-131072 bytes.

Mode You can select Active or Passive based on the destination's firewall configuration. (An FTP connection made inActive Mode may appear to the destination firewall that the sender is trying to initiate a connection directly toone of its internal clients. Typically, firewalls will block this type of connection. Making an FTP connection inPassive mode can avoid this problem.)

Authentication (Default: Enabled)--Provide ImageManager with the authentication credentials needed to log into the FTPserver or network resource (Domain/Computer/NAS name, Username, and Password).

Server You can use IP address, or server name to specify the server running ShadowStream.

Port (Default: 4366)--Identify the port number this job will use to transfer data to ShadowStream. (Use the PortNumber defined in the ShadowStream server's administrator console.)

Share Specify which ShadowStream Share on the destination server you wish to use for this Location.

Authentication (Default: Enabled)--Provide ImageManager with the required authentication credentials needed to log into theShadowStream service (ShadowStream username and password).

ServerYou can use UNC, IP address, or server name to specify the VMware server.

Note: Use the Test ESX server connection icon next to the Server field to confirm you have anactive connection to the server as a target.

Authentication (Default: Enabled)--Provide ImageManager with the authentication credentials needed to log into the server ornetwork resource (Domain/Computer/NAS name, Username, and Password).

ShadowStream Server Settings

StorageCraft ShadowStream Server Settings

For a remote replication using the StorageCraft ShadowStream tool, ImageManager requires:

Note: ShadowStream maintains its own list of users, passwords and shares as defined using the Administrator Console.These are independent of Windows users and shares and should not be confused with them.

VMware ESX/ESXi Server Settings

For a network replication to a VMware destination, ImageManager requires:

Note: Use the Test ESX server connection icon next to the Server field to confirm you have an active connection to theserver as a target.

StorageCraft Cloud Services Settings

For StorageCraft Cloud Services, ImageManager requires:




Name You can give the cloud location any name you choose.

Security

You can choose between SSL and SSH security.

Note: For SSL, ensure that ports 21 and 10000-10100 are open. For SSH, ensurethat ports 21 and 22 are open.

Block size You can select a block size between 1 and 131072 bytes. The default size is 65536.

Create/Manage StorageCraftCloud Services account

If you have an MSP account you can click on this link and create a cloud services account.

Location requires authentication Location requires authentication is selected by default and can't be changed.

Enter a user name and password.

Note: This is the same cloud services username and password that was used whenthe StorageCraft Cloud services account was created.

AboutThe About tab displays ImageManager agent version information:

Click Cancel to close the dialog.

LicensingSee Activate Premium Features.

6.5 Managed Folder SettingsYou must select one or more folders that contain backup image files to be managed by ImageManager. You can also configure or




modify the settings for those managed folders in the Folder Settings dialog.

To start managing a folder, or to configure or modify the settings of a managed folder

1. In the ImageManager console, select the ImageManager agent that you want to configure.2. To manage a folder click the Start Managing Folder icon in the Folder Management Task Bar. If you are already managing

a folder and need to configure or modify the settings click Folder Settings.

Warning: ImageManager doesn't support managed folders or file names containing an apostrophe ( ' ).

3. In the Managed Folder Settings dialog box, complete the fields and select your options then click Save.

Folder Path: (Required) The path to the folder where your managed backup image files are stored. Don't useapostrophes in the path name. They aren't allowed in managed folder paths.

Description (Optional) A description of the managed folder.

Folder Type Normal - ImageManager manages the folder as it has in previous versions and ignores any subfolders.Backup Store - Folder containing multiple subfolders to be managed. Subfolders are automaticallymanaged using settings for the Backup Store unless overridden at the subfolder.

Authentication (Conditional) The managed folder's authentication credentials. You can either use the default credentialsspecified in the ImageManager agent settings (see Configuring an ImageManager Agent), or specifyauthentication credentials specific to this managed folder.

Use Password (Optional) Use this only if the managed folder doesn't contain the .SPK file (which would have beencreated with default ShadowProtect backup job options). You can also use this option if Create Key Filehas been turned off in the ShadowProtect backup job advanced options.

Warning: Make sure you use the correct password here otherwise you may have folder processingproblems. Leave this option unchecked IF the .SPK files are included in the managed folder.

Assign sortpriority

(Default: Disabled) When enabled, ImageManager sorts the managed folders in the Managed Folder panein ascending order based on the specified sort value (0 - 255). ImageManager will then run these jobs inthis order.

Note: After starting to manage a folder you can't modify its path. If you need to change the path, stop managing thefolder, then delete the managed folder entry. Next, use Start Managing Folder to specify and configure the new path.

6.6 Configure NotificationsImageManager can automatically send email notifications when specific events occur.

To modify the notification settings

1. In the ImageManager console, select the ImageManager agent that you want to configure.




2. In the Connected Agents Pane, click Notification Settings.3. In the Notification Settings dialog box, select the Conditions tab.

4. In the Conditions tab select the events to generate email notifications.

Failures Send an email when an ImageManager operation fails.

Warnings Send an email when ImageManager needs attention to prevent a failure.

Inactivity Send an email when the ImageManager agent is inactive for the specified number of days.

Low FreeSpace Send an email when the space available in the managed folder drops below the specified threshold.

All DailyActivity Send a daily email with a summary of the ImageManager operations.

5. Select the Email Setup tab in the Notification Settings dialog box.

6. Specify the name of the email account to receive email notifications.

SMTP ServerName

The SMTP server name and port that ImageManager uses to send the email notification. If necessary, provide valid authentication credentials for the SMTP server. Select SSL to send the emailvia secure connection.

EmailTemplate

The email configuration. Provide the email recipients and, if desired, a Sender name and Subject line forthe notification emails.

Send TestEmail It is recommended to send an email whenever the ImageManager notification settings have changed.

7. Click Send test email to verify that the settings work correctly.8. Click Save.




7 Verify Backup ImagesThe ImageManager verification service can periodically test the integrity of your backup image files. This verification of file integrityis similar to the manual process provided by ShadowProtect (see Verifying Backup Image Files in the ShadowProtect User Guide).While the Verification service is enabled by default, you can configure specific verification behavior for each managed folder.

To configure the verification service:

1. In the ImageManager console, select the ImageManager agent and expand the managed folder.2. Below the managed folder, double-click Verification (or right-click Verification and select Properties).3. On the Verification tab of the Managed Folder Settings dialog, provide the desired information, then click Save.

OverrideVerificationsettings forthismanagedfolder

(Only available on subfolders.) Instructs ImageManager to override theBackup Store level verification policy and use this policy instead.

Basic Immediatelyverify newlycreated imagefiles

(Default: Enabled) Instructs ImageManager to verifyeach backup image file immediately following itscreation.

Periodicallyre-verifyexistingimage files

(Default: Reverify every seven days) InstructsImageManager to re-verify backup image files in themanaged folder on a regular basis. You can re-verifythe backup image files every 1 - 30 days, as specifiedin the Days field.

Overridedefaultperformanceimpact forimage fileverification

(Default: Disabled) Lets you manage how theImageManager agent uses processing resourcesduring the verification process. More processingresources result in faster verification, but can impactother system operations.

When this setting is disabled, the agent uses thethrottling setting in Agent Settings to manage I/Ousage by ImageManager (see the General tab inAgent Settings).





AdvancedAutomatically boot via integrated StorageCraft VirtualBoot™ technology,providing an email with attached screenshot of the System Login Screen.StorageCraft VirtualBoot requires that Oracle VirtualBox be installed.Please refer to Supported Versions of VirtualBox page the for supportedversions.

Advanced Verification Key Points:

Advanced verification only perform a VirtualBoot of the OS volume.When configured for multiple folders, Advanced verification willperform one VirtualBoot at a time.VMs are created without a NIC.ImageManager matches the minimum VirtualBox systemrequirements for memory. There are no options to allocate extramemory to the VM.Advanced verification occurs once the consolidated file is created.

Important: Advanced verification is not supported on WindowsServers running the Hyper-V role or where ImageManager isrunning on a Virtual Machine.

Ensure newconsolidatedimage filessuccessfullyboot

(Default: Disabled) Instructs ImageManager toautomatically verify newly created consolidated imagesusing VirtualBoot.

This can be accomplished using consolidated Dailyimage files, consolidated Weekly image files, orconsolidated Monthly image files.

When this option is first selected, if VirtualBox is notinstalled on machine, the following prompt appearswith a link to the most recent VirtualBox versioncompatible with ImageManager. See SupportedVersions of VirtualBox for more information.

Wait tocapture ascreenshotof thebootedimage:

(Default: 5 minutes) Specify how long to wait, afterimages have been booted using VirtualBoot, to capturea screenshot. (1-30 minutes)

7.1 Supported Versions of VirtualBoxImageManager supports various versions of Oracle VirtualBox. However, some versions are not supported due to issues withloading plugins.

It is recommended users directly download specific versions of VirtualBox supported by StorageCraft. The table below lists thecurrent supported versions of VirtualBox that are compatible with ImageManager. Download the specific VirtualBox package (e.g.rpm) for that supported version using the normal download URL (e.g. download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox).

Warning: Staggered releases of ImageManager and ShadowProtect SPX may not always support the same versions ofVirtualBox. For systems using VirtualBox for both ShadowProtect SPX and ImageManager, ensure the installed VirtualBoxversion is compatible with both products. See the SPX User Guide for comapatible versions.





VIRTUALBOOT PLUGIN FILES

Version numbers here correspond to the various versions of VirtualBox'sdisk *plugin interface*

SUPPORTED VIRTUALBOX VERSIONS

ForVBox4.0.0

4.0.2, 4.0.4, 4.0.6, 4.0.8, 4.0.10, 4.0.12,4.0.14, 4.0.16, 4.0.18, 4.0.20, 4.0.22, 4.0.24,4.0.26 (Linux only), 4.0.28 (Linux only), 4.0.30(Linux only), 4.0.32 (Linux only) (VirtualBox4.0.0 not supported)

ForVBox4.1.0 4.1.0

ForVBox4.1.2

4.1.2, 4.1.4, 4.1.6, 4.1.8, 4.1.10, 4.1.12,4.1.14, 4.1.16, 4.1.18, 4.1.20, 4.1.22, 4.1.24,4.1.26, 4.1.28, 4.1.30, 4.1.32, 4.1.34 (Linuxonly), 4.1.36 (Linux only), 4.1.38 (Linux only),4.1.40 (Linux only), 4.1.42 (Linux only), 4.1.44(Linux only)

ForVBox4.2.0

4.2.0, 4.2.2, 4.2.4, 4.2.6, 4.2.8, 4.2.10, 4.2.12,4.2.14, 4.2.16, 4.2.18, 4.2.20, 4.2.22, 4.2.24,4.2.26 (Linux only), 4.2.28 (Linux only), 4.2.30(Linux only), 4.2.32 (Linux only), 4.2.34 (Linuxonly), 4.2.36 (Linux only)

ForVBox4.3.0 4.3.0, 4.3.2, 4.3.4, 4.3.6, 4.3.8, 4.3.10, 4.3.12

ForVBox4.3.144.3.14 (Linux only), 4.3.16, 4,3,18, 4.3.20,4.3.22, 4.3.24, 4.3.26, 4.3.28, 4.3.30, 4.3.32,4.3.34

ForVBox5.0.0 5.0.0, 5.0.2, 5.0.4, 5.0.6, 5.0.8, 5.0.10, 5.0.12,5.0.14, 5.0.16

8 Consolidate Backup ImagesThe ImageManager consolidation service lets you periodically merge incremental backup image files into a consolidated file. Doingthis reduces the time to restore and lets you reduce the size of the file chain necessary to restore a system. Fewer files means feweropportunities for file failure.

ImageManager provides the following types of consolidated files:

Daily Consolidated Files: At the end of each day, ImageManager rolls up all incremental backup image files created duringthat day into a single point-in-time incremental image file. Daily consolidated files include a -cd in the file name. For example:

D_VOL-b001-i005-cd.spi

Weekly Consolidated Files: At the end of each week, ImageManager can roll-up all Daily Consolidated files created duringthat week into a single point-in-time incremental image file. Weekly consolidated files include a -cw in the file name. Forexample:

D_VOL-b001-i026-cw.spi

Monthly Consolidated Files: At the end of each month, ImageManager rolls up all Weekly Consolidated files createdduring that month into a single point-in-time incremental image file. Monthly consolidated files include a -cm in the file name.For example:

D_VOL-b001-i097-cm.spi




Rolling Consolidated Files: ImageManager rolls up multiple monthly consolidated files to further reduce the amount ofstorage space used. This creates a rolling consolidated monthly image file that consists of the specified number of -cm imagefiles. Rolling consolidated files include a -cr in the file name. For example:

D_VOL-b001-i097-cd-cm-cr.spi

Note: To use rolling consolidation you must use ImageManager 6 (or later) and ShadowProtect 5 (or later). You areNOT required to create a new backup chain. The rolling consolidation feature of ShadowProtect 5 works withShadowProtect 4 image chains.

Configure Consolidation Settings

Note: The policies configured with ImageManager are different from the policies set in ShadowProtect. The policies definedin ShadowProtect apply only to weekly and monthly backup jobs. They don't apply to continuous incremental jobs.ImageManager handles the policies for the continuous incremental job types. Policies for StorageCraft Cloud services are alsodifferent than those in ImageManager or ShadowProtect. See the StorageCraft Cloud Services user guide for moreinformation.

To configure the consolidation service

1. In the ImageManager console, select the ImageManager agent and managed folder.2. In the Managed Folder pane, expand the folder to reveal its associated activities.3. Double-click Consolidation (or right-click Consolidation and select properties) to open the Consolidation Settings dialog .

4. Ensure the Enable image file consolidation for this managed folder option is selected.This option is selected by default. This means that once you add a managed folder to ImageManager, the Consolidationservice automatically begins to monitor the folder.

5. Configure the consolidation schedule, then click Save.

WeeklyConsolidation

(Default: Saturday) Specifies the effective end of the week for the purpose of creating a ConsolidatedWeekly backup image file.

MonthlyConsolidation

(Default: the 31st day of the month) Specifies the effective end of the month for the purpose of creatinga Consolidated Monthly backup image file. You can select a specific date, or a relative day of the week inthe month (for example, the last Friday, or the fourth Monday).

ImageManager saves your consolidation settings. You can now configure your retention policy settings.

9 Retention Settings OverrideImageManager Retention Settings

ImageManager lets you to override global agent retention settings for selected managed folders and Backup Stores. You can alsooverride Backup Store retention policies for subfolders belonging to those Backup Stores. The files are retained at least as long asspecified in the settings. In some cases the files are kept longer if they are needed for other operations.




Retention of Dependent Image Files

It's important to understand how ImageManager file retention works before configuring your retention policy.

Important: In some cases ImageManager may keep backup image files longer than the amount of time specified in theretention settings if those files are needed for other operations.

Dependent image file retention schedule

C_VOL-b001-i026-cw.spi 6th June 2014 (First -cw file created)C_VOL-b001-i052-cw.spi 13th June 2014 (Second -cw file created)C_VOL-b001-i078-cw.spi 20th June 2014 (Third -cw file created)C_VOL-b001-i104-cw.spi 27th June 2014 (Last -cw file created)

C_VOL-b001-i104-cm.spi 30th June 2014 (Consolidated file created)

All dependent -cw files are kept until 30 days after the last -cw file was created.

This means the following dependent files would be deleted on 27th July, which is 30 days after the last -cw file was created (27thJune 2014).

C_VOL-b001-i026-cw.spi 6th June 2014C_VOL-b001-i052-cw.spi 13th June 2014C_VOL-b001-i078-cw.spi 20th June 2014C_VOL-b001-i104-cw.spi 27th June 2014

To configure the retention policy:

1. Double-Click Retention (or right-click and select Properties) below the managed folder or subfolder of a Backup Store. Youcan also right-click on any Backup Store, Managed Folder or subfolder, select Properties and then select the Retention Tab.

2. Select Override retention settings for this managed folder.3. Select Automatically clean up backup image files in this managed folder.4. Select the retention settings for this managed folder and click Save.

Note: If the retention settings for this managed folder change, but the Override retention setttings for thismanaged folder box is not checked, the Backup Store or global retention settings still apply.




Keep Intra-daily imagefiles

(Default: 7 days)The minimumnumber of daysImageManager keepsintra-dailyincremental backupimage files after theyhave been rolled upinto a dailyconsolidation. If thefiles are not requiredfor anotheroperationImageManagerdeletes them afterthe specified numberof days. To keep thebackup images,implement areplication procedureto save them toanother system.

Keepconsolidateddaily imagefiles (-cd)

(Default: 15 days)The minimumnumber of daysImageManager keepsdaily consolidatedbackup image files,plus the timerequired for weeklyconsolidation files tobe created (if theyare dependent onconsolidated weeklyfiles). If the files arenot required foranother operationImageManagerdeletes the sourceimage files unlessyou choose to keepthem. (See "MoveConsolidated ImageFiles to aSubdirectory" later inthis section.)




Keepconsolidatedweeklyimage files(-cw)

(Default: 90 days)The minimumnumber of daysImageManager keepsweekly consolidatedbackup image files,plus the timerequired for monthlyconsolidation files tobe created (if theyare dependent onthe monthly files). Ifthe files are notrequired for anotheroperation,ImageManagerdeletes in the dailyfiles as defined in the"Move Consolidateddaily and weeklyimage files" setting.

Cleanupconsolidatedmonthlyimage files(-cm)

(Default: notselected) This settinglets you clean upconsolidatedmonthly image filesafter a specifiedperiod of time tofurther save storagespace.

Keepconsolidatedmonthlyimage files

(Default: 12 months)This is the minimumnumber of monthsImageManager keepsmonthlyconsolidated backupimage files. This isthe retention settingfor rollingconsolidation.

Moveconsolidateddaily andweeklyimage filesto asubdirectory

(Default: Enabled)Followingconsolidation,ImageManager canmove the sourcebackup image filesinto the incrementalssubdirectory (insidethe managed folder)instead of deletingthem. This requiresmore storage spacebecauseImageManager keepsboth theconsolidated and thesource incrementalfiles. Images movedinto the incrementalsfolder becomeorphans and are nolonger associated theassociated full imageor chain.




Warning: Do not attempt to restore files from the incrementals folder.

Important: In some cases ImageManager may keep backup image files longer than the amount of time specified in theretention settings IF those files are needed for other operations. See the retention exception example below.

10 Replicate Backup ImagesThe ImageManager replication service lets you automatically copy backup image files to a secondary location.

Note: ImageManager uses multiple operating system connections during replication. In rare cases, on Windows desktopoperating systems older than Windows 8, all available connections can be used when many small incremental files are beingreplicated. If this happens, replication stops temporarily until connections become available.

To avoid this problem use a Windows Server or Windows 8 desktop for sending and receiving replication jobs.

To configure a replication job

1. In the ImageManager console, select the ImageManager agent and managed folder whose files you want to replicate.2. In the Folder Management Task Bar, click the Create Replication Job icon( ). (You can also right-click a managed folder,

select Create Job and then select Replication.)3. In the Replication Target dialog box, select the General tab.4. Specify the appropriate settings in the General tab dialog:

Name (Optional) Enter a descriptive name for the replication target.

Type (Default: Local Drive) Identifies the type of replication target. Supported options include: Local Drive: The replication target is attached directly to the local system (for example, an external harddrive). Network Drive: The replication target is accessible via the local network (LAN). intelligentFTP: The replication target is accessible via FTP (File Transfer Protocol) using intelligentFTP. StorageCraft Legacy ShadowStream Server: The replication target is accessible via LegacyShadowStream. (See ShadowStream for details.)StorageCraft ShadowStream Server: The replication target is accessible via ShadowStream. (SeeShadowStream for details.)

Note: Network and FTP remote replication targets require intelligentFTP. However, ShadowStreamhigh-performance replication requires ShadowStream. (See Activate ShadowStream for details.)ImageManager tests the connection to ShadowStream when you save this replication job. If it cannotconfirm the ShadowStream connection, ImageManager does not save the job.

StorageCraft Cloud Services: The replication target is accessible via the cloud. (See Creating a cloudtarget for details.

Note: StorageCraft Cloud Services supports image files from UEFI + GPT disk systems IF thevolume size is smaller than 2TB. If your UEFI + GPT system volume size is larger than 2TB you needto use intelligentFTP or ShadowStream for replication to an alternate (non-cloud) off-site location.

Location Specifies that this job use either an existing globally-defined location for the replication target or a newdestination that you specify here. (For details, see Locations under Agent Settings.)

Performance and Security

Override global throttling (Conditional): Available only when Type = intelligentFTP or ShadowStreamServer. Lets you modify the maximum bitrate for sending data to the remote site for this job from theglobal value set for either intelligentFTP or ShadowStream. Range is from 1 Kbps. to 999 Gbps. Don't replicate Base image files: Instructs ImageManager to not send the large .spf base (Full) imagefiles to preserve bandwidth and reduce transfer time. (These files could be sent manually instead.) Compress data stream (Default = disabled): Available only when Type = ShadowStream Server.Enables compression on the data sent using ShadowStream. Do not compress the data stream if youalready have ShadowProtect compress your image files. Doing so reduces system performance. Encrypt data stream (Default = disabled): Available only when Type = ShadowStream Server. Enablesencryption on the data sent using ShadowStream. Do not encrypt the data stream if you already haveShadowProtect encrypt your image files. Doing so reduces system performance.







5. Select the Replication Mode tab.6. Select the settings for replicating to a folder being consolidated by a second ImageManager at the target.

Note: ImageManager can be installed on more than one system to distribute the consolidation process. Images fromone system's managed folder can be replicated to another system's managed folder. One system performs the dailyconsolidations and the other performs the weekly and monthly consolidations. The Replication Mode tab lets youconfigure replication services to perform distributed consolidation.

No--Replicateallconsolidatedfiles

(Default: Enabled) Select this option when the replication target is not managed by ImageManager. Youcan choose the following options when replicating in this way: Also replicate original unconsolidated intra-daily image files (Default: Disabled) Sends both theconsolidated and the original incremental files to the secondary site. This requires the most bandwidthand storage space.

Files moved or deleted by ImageManager are deleted on the destination. (Default: Enabled)Deletes a backup image file at the primary site, it will also remove the file from the local replicationtarget.

Important: This applies only to images replicated with the "Local Drive" destination type whenusing ImageManager.

Yes--Replicateonlyconsolidateddaily imagefiles

(Default: Disabled) Specifies that the replication target is also an ImageManager-managed folder thatperforms the weekly and monthly consolidation.

Yes--Replicateonly originalunconsolidatedintra-dailyimage files

(Default: Disabled) Specifies that you want to perform all file consolidation at the replication target,rather than at the source.

7. Click Save to close the Replication Target Settings dialog box.

11 HeadStart RestoreImageManager HeadStart Restore (HSR) lets you start a restore operation on a new system while the original production servercontinues to run. ShadowProtect continues adding incremental backup images to the image chain on the original server. Thisgreatly reduces downtime associated with various failover operations, particularly for systems with very large storage systems (ie:multi-Terabyte).

See HeadStart Restore Scenarios to learn about HSR use cases.

Important: Don't delete an HSR job while the job is still running. Cancel the HSR job first and then delete it to prevent theImageManager user interface from becoming unresponsive

To perform an HSR:

Create a HeadStart JobFinalize a HeadStart Job

11.1 Create HSR JobUse the Create HeadStart Restore job icon on the Managed Folder Task Bar to configure a specific restore operation.

Important: HSR can’t create GPT volumes. Use the Recovery Environment to do a normal restore for GPT volumes.

VMware Considerations




HeadStart Restore can use VMware targets with these considerations:

Close all instances of VMware VSphere client before attempting to contact an ESX server with ImageManager.When creating an ESX job type, the Domain or Share fields don't appear when you select the ESX/ESXi target type forHSR. See ESX Server Permissions for information about the minimum permissions ImageManager needs to use an ESX servertarget.ImageManager doesn't support the free (limited functionality) version of ESXi.To restore to a VCenter Cluster, set the correct permissions on the datacenter's root VM folder.

Note: ImageManager doesn’t show folders (on the Folder tab) for an ESXi target when creating a minimal virtual machine.This is because the datastores folder is different than the datacenters virtual machine folders. Learn more about the ESXifolder hierarchy in the Folders section of the vSphere Managed Inventory Objects page.

To Create a new HeadStart Restore Job

1. In the ImageManager console, select the ImageManager agent and then the managed folder you want to use for thisHeadStart job.

2. From the Folder Management Task Bar, click the Create HeadStart Restore Job icon( ). You can also right-click the

managed folder, select Create Job and then select HeadStart Restore.)

3. In the HeadStart Restore job dialog General tab, select or specify the applicable settings:

Name (Optional) Enter a descriptive name for the HSR job.

Volume TypeThe type of volume you want HeadStart Restore to create. The supported types are:

VMware VMDK: Create a Virtual Machine Disk (VMDK) file compatible with VMWare virtual environments.Microsoft VHD: Create a Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) file compatible with Microsoft Hyper-V and OracleVirtualBox virtual environments.Microsoft VHDX: Create a Virtual Hard Disk (VHDX) file compatible with Microsoft Hyper-V virtualenvironments.Volume: Create a physical volume on a local physical disk.



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Destination TypeThe destination type for your HSR. The supported destination types are:

Local Drive (locally-attached device) (2TB volume size limit for VMDK. Additional conversion may alsobe necessary to boot the VM in the ESX/ESXi Server.)Network Drive (2TB volume size limit for VMDK. Additional conversion may also be necessary to bootthe VM in the ESX/ESXi Server.)VMware ESX/ESXi Server (Recommended destination type for VMDK targets. Not available forVHD/VHDX or Volume type HSRs.)

Location The list of pre-defined destination locations based on destination type. You can use your pre-defined locations orcreate new ones with Add new location. ImageManager asks for:

Type The Location type defaults to the most recently used type.Name (Optional) The Location name should make it easy to identify the location.

Server The destination server name can be UNC (for VHD targets), or an IP address.

Note: For VMDK targets, click Test ESX server connection to confirm the connection is activewith the destination server.

Share The Windows Share on the server to use for this operation. (Only available for VHD targets.)Authentication (Default: Disabled) The credentials ImageManager needs (Domain/Computer/NASname, Username, and Password) to log into the server or network resource.

SubdirectoryThe default subdirectory created by ImageManager on the destination where HSR files are stored. The name canbe changed if necessary.

Lag Time The delay between the creation and application of incremental backup images. ShadowProtect creates backupimage files and HSR applies the backup images to the HSR volume. Lag time gives you a chance to identifyproblems (system errors, image corruption, virus, etc.) in the images before they are applied.

Lag time can be set:

1-23 hours1-30 days

Add HeadStart Volumes

ImageManager lets you create one or more new HSR volumes from existing base images in the backup chain.

To create the volumes

1. Click the HeadStart Restore Volumes tab.2. Click Add new HeadStart volumes. 3. In the Base Backup Images dialog, select the base image file to use, then click OK.4. (By default, ImageManager lists all the .spf files in the managed folder.)5. Provide the the password for encrypted backup image files, then click Save to create the new HeadStart job.

To create a raw (unformatted) local physical volume

Warning: Configuring an HSR job to locally-attached physical storage requires a raw (unformatted) drive. When youconfigure an HSR for a physical volume, the volume must be created first. If the volume has been formatted you need to useWindows Disk Manager, or another similar tool, to delete the volume and then create it again WITHOUT formatting it.

1. Go to the Windows "Run" menu or command prompt and run diskmgmnt.msc.2. Create a new volume (which automatically creates a raw volume).3. Set the volume size as needed. The volume size must be bigger than the volume being backed up.4. Select a drive letter.5. In the Format Partition window select Do not format this volume.6. Finish the volume creation by clicking Next.

You should now be able to configure an HSR job for the new local physical volume.




To create a VMware ESX/ESXi Server HSR job (Conditional)

1. Locate the target VMDK by clicking on Click to Browse for Volume.2. Select the VMDK, then click Select.

ImageManager displays the ESX Inventory dialog box.This dialog lets you:

Browse an ESX server for an existing VMDK. When creating a target VMDK without using ImageManager (for example with the vSphere client), add 18 MB to the minimumsize shown in ImageManager to compensate for worst-case sector alignment in the file system structure.

Note: Slot '0:7' is no longer listed as an option for creating an HSR to ESXi host. StorageCraft fixed an error thatoccured when creating a HeadStart Restore job directly to an ESXi host. The error was displayed when trying to attachmore than 7 virtual disks using the HSR job to create/configure the virtual machine and virtual disks. This happenedwhen Slot '0:7' (reserved by VMware) was used to attach a disk.

Create a new VMDK in an existing VM. To do this, right-click an existing VM, then select Create New Virtual Disk.Create a new VM in an existing Resource Pool. To do this, right-click an existing Resource Pool, then select Create New Virtual Machine. After it is created, you can add a virtual disk to the new VM.

Note: After the job is configured and saved, the only thing you can change is the image file password. If you need to modifyany other settings, or change volume sizes, you need to delete the job and create a new one.

ImageManager enables the HeadStart Restore job and displays it below its associated managed folder in the Managed Folder Pane.

Warning: Do not click Delete on an HSR job once it begins creating a new virtual disk. This may cause ImageManager tofreeze. If it is necessary to delete a job, click Pause first. When the job pauses, click Delete.

ESX PermissionsHeadStart Restore requires the following minimum permissions on the ESX server resource pool where you plan to create virtualmachines and virtual disks for HeadStart Restore. If you are not using resource pools, you must set these permissions on the host,datacenter, or cluster. StorageCraft recommends that you create an HSR role on the ESX server that contains at least thesepermissions, then assign the user accounts used by HSR jobs to the HSR role.

Category Permissions

DatastoreAllocate space Browse datastore Low-level file operations

Global

Capacity planning Licenses Manage Custom attributes Script action

Network Assign network

Resource Assign virtual machine to resource pool

Virtual Machine > Configuration Add new disk Add or remove device

Virtual Machine > Inventory Create new

Virtual Machine > Provisioning Allow disk access

If you restore to a vCenter cluster, HeadStart Restore also requires the following permissions on the root of the cluster:

Category Permissions

Global Licenses

11.2 Finalize HSR Jobs




Once created and enabled, an HSR job begins the process of restoring a volume from its backup image files to a virtual disk file.However, the restored volume remains unusable until it is finalized. (This prevents users from inadvertently accessing the volumebefore the restore operation is complete.)

To finalize a HeadStart job

1. In the ImageManager console, select the ImageManager agent and managed folder for the HSR job you want to finalize.2. In the Managed Folder Task Bar, click Finalize . You can also right-click the HSR Job and select Finalize .3. In the Finalize dialog box, provide the required information, then click Finalize.

HeadStartVolumes Select one or more HeadStart volumes to finalize.

Finalizeto

For each HeadStart volume that you want to finalize, specify the specific point-in-time that you want to finalizeit to. Once finalized, the restored volume reflects its state at this selected point-in-time.

4. Click Finalize.5. You must complete the HIR process in the StorageCraft Recovery Environment before attempting to boot the machine. For

more information about the Recovery Environment and HIR, see the StorageCraft Recovery Environment User Guide.

Note: The StorageCraft Recovery Environment (RE) can be used to finalize an incomplete HSR job. For example: If youconfigure an HSR job using ImageManager, then the ImageManager system fails, it can leave an orphaned HSR. Theorphaned HSR job can't apply any unapplied (currently existing or future) incrementals and can't be finalized. StorageCraft REcan help you recover from this scenario.

To prepare the HSR volume for use in a VM

Once finalized, do the following to prepare the HSR volume for use in a VM:

Add the virtual disk file to a virtual machine. (The specifics of this process vary depending on your virtual machine software.Consult your virtual machine documentation for more information.)

Note: This step is already done for you if you are finalizing an HSR job of type ESX/ESXi Server.

If this is a bootable volume, do the following:Category Permissions

HSR of aPhysical orVirtualMachines

1. Edit the Virtual Machine settings so it will boot from the StorageCraft Recovery Environment. 2. Boot into the StorageCraft Recovery Environment for Windows. 3. Run Hardware Independent Restore (HIR) to setup the hardware configuration in the virtual disk file tomatch the settings in the virtual machine. (For more information about the Recovery Environment and HIR,see the StorageCraft Recovery Environment User Guide.)

Note: To run Recovery Environment on an ESX server, upload the Recovery Environment ISO to adatastore on the ESX host. Set the VM's CD-ROM settings to boot from the Recovery Environment ISO.When booting the VM, confirm that the BIOS boot sequence has the CD-ROM as the first boot device.

4. Set the OS (bootable) volume to active.

Warning: If restoring Active Directory you must first boot into Directory Services Repair mode(DSRM). See StorageCraft KB article 13.

5. Reboot the VM and let the operating system load from the VMDK.

After the Restoration

There is no need to keep a finalized job enabled. You can reuse the license by disabling or deleting the finalized job.

12 Browse Backup ImagesThe ImageManager Backup Images service lets you view a historical record of your backup image file creation.








When a managed folder is selected, the Backup Image Files pane lets you view backup image files created during a specific daterange.

You can also use the calendar controls to browse to a specific date range.

13 StorageCraft ShadowStreamSee the StorageCraft ShadowStream User Guide for details about installing and configuring ShadowStream for use withImageManager.

14 Creating Key FilesKey Files allow you to store passwords for encrypted backup images. Using a key file lets you delegate the creation and storage ofencrypted backup image files without losing control of the passwords. For example, you can configure ImageManager to collapseencrypted files without having access to the passwords.

Key Files are identified by a .spk file extension. The key file prefix matches the name of the associated full backup file. TheKeyFileMaker tool is installed when you install ImageManager. This tool allows you to re-create lost or corrupted Key Files.

Note: ShadowProtect automatically generates a new Key File each time it creates a new full backup with encryption activated.





To create a key file

1. Launch KeyFileMaker (Start > Program Files (x86) > StorageCraft > ImageManager > KeyFileMaker.exe).2. In the KeyFileMaker dialog box, provide the following information, then click Create Key File.

SetPassword Specify and confirm the password to store in the Key File.

Save KeyFile As

Specify the name and location for the Key File. You must save the Key File in the same folder with theassociated backup image files.

Key FileAssociation

Specify the backup Image Set to be associated with this Key File.

Generic Key File: The key file is not associated with any backup image set. Select Generic Key File if all thebackup image files in a given folder are part of the same image set.

Key File associated with a specific GUID: Select this option if you have multiple backup image sets inthe same directory and you want to manually specify the File Set GUID (Globally Unique ID) for the imageset associated with this Key File. You can locate this GUID if you:

a. Extracted the File Set GUID from one of the set's image file header information. (All backup imagefiles in an image set share the same File Set GUID.)

b. Viewed the File Set GUID by starting to mount an image file from the relevant set with the Mountwizard (in Windows Explorer). Locate the GUID in the File set GUID field on the Image File Name page.

Key File associated with a specified backup image: Browse to an image file in the set you wantassociated with this Key File. The tool automatically extracts the GUID for use in creating the Key File.

3. KeyFileMaker creates the new Key File in the specified folder.




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