Backing UP Your Hardware Management Console

This tutorial will explain the different types of hardware management console (HMC) backups, how to perform each, when the different types of backups should be used and how you can automate the backup processes.

What are the different types of HMC backups?

IBM documentation will tell you that there are two types of backups, Backup Critical Console Data and Save Upgrade Data, but there really is a third backup called Partition profile data backup.

What are the differences between the three types of backups?

Backup Critical Console Data

The Backup Critical Console Data task is used to back up the HMC configuration and profile data to the formatted DVD-RAM media. The backup DVD-RAM media is used only when recovering the HMC from the software or hardware problem. The following data is included in the backup DVD-RAM media:

• User configuration
• User preferences, including each user’s home directory
• HMC configuration files that record the following customizing:
  • TCP/IP
  • Rexec/ssh facility setting
  • Remote virtual terminal setting
  • Time zone setting
• HMC log files located in the /var/log directory
• Service functions settings, such as Inventory Scout, Service Agent, and Service Focal Point
• Partition profile data backup

Save Upgrade Data

The Save Upgrade Data task is used to save the current HMC configuration in the special disk partition on the HMC. This task is used before you migrate the current HMC software level to a new version of the HMC software.

The Save Upgrade Data task creates several archive files for the following configuration information, then saves those archive files in the special disk partition on the HMC:

• User configuration
• User preferences, including each user’s home directory
• HMC configuration files that record the following customizing:
  • TCP/IP Rexec/ssh facility setting
  • Remote virtual terminal setting
  • Time zone setting
• HMC log files located in the /var/log directory
• Service functions settings, such as Inventory Scout, Service Agent, and Service Focal Point
• Partition profile data backup

Partition Profile Data Backup

The Partition Profile Data Backup is performed by the HMC automatically. The default backup file, /var/hsc/profile/MT-MDL*SN/backupFile, is automatically created when the HMC is first connected to its managed system and the data gets written to the file from the NVRAM. If the default backup file does not exist, it will be created with the data from the NVRAM upon the next HMC reboot. The backup file is updated whenever changes are made to the partitioning configuration.

When should I perform each type of backup?

Typically, you shouldn’t need to perform Partition Profile Data Backup, so let’s concentrate on the other two types. HMC backups are just like any other types of backups. You want to do them as often as necessary. At a minimum, you’ll want to perform a Save Upgrade Data before any HMC software upgrades. I prefer to perform Backup Critical Console Data backups on a more regular basis, usually once a week.

How do I perform each type of backup?

Backup Critical Console Data

1. Expand the Software Maintenance folder, then select the HMC application in the Navigation area.
2. Select the Backup Critical Console Data task in the content area.
3. An information window opens that prompts you to insert a formatted DVD-RAM media into the drive, as shown in Figure 6-4 on page 113. Insert the media and click Continue.
4. When the task is complete, an information window opens with this message:
   
   HSCP0001 The Backup Critical Console Data request completed successfully.
   
   
5. Once confirmed, click OK to close the information window. Remove the media from the drive.

Note: This can take quite a bit of time, depending on the data on the HMC system. I have one HMC that supports several p550s and p570s, each with several LPARs that takes over an hour to complete.

Save Upgrade Data

1. Expand the Software Maintenance folder, then select the HMC application in the Navigation area.
2. Select the Save Upgrade Data task in the content area.
3. An information window opens that prompts you to select the media (Hard drive or DVD). Click Continue.
   
   Note: The DVD media selection is available for the hscpe user only.
   
   
4. Another information window opens as shown in Figure 6-6. When ready, click Continue.
5. When the task is complete, an information window opens with this message:
   
   HSCP0020 The Save Upgrade Data request completed successfully.
   
   
6. Click OK to confirm and close the information window.

How do I automate the Backup Critical Console Data task?

You can automate the Backup Critical Console Data task using the HMC scheduler. Unless you plan on rotating the DVD media, only the most-recent backup image will be on the DVD. To schedule the Backup Critical Console Data task, do the following:

1. In the Navigation area, expand the HMC Management folder.
2. In the Navigation area, click the HMC Configuration icon.
3. In the Contents area, click Schedule Operations.
4. From the list, select the HMC you want to back up and click OK.
5. Select Options > New.
6. In the Add a Scheduled Operation window, select Backup Critical Console Data and click OK.
7. In the appropriate fields, enter the time and date that you want this backup to occur.
8. Click the Repeat tab and select the intervals at which you want the backup to repeat and press Enter.
9. When you have set the backup time and date, click Save. When the Action Completed window opens, click OK. A description of the operation displays in the Scheduled Operations window.