→ Applies to: VMware ESXi 6.5 and above

Backup VMware ESXi host configuration

Step 1. Connect to VMware ESXi CLI (via SSH)

Step 2. Synchronize the configuration

vim-cmd hostsvc/firmware/sync_config

Step 3. Backup the configuration

vim-cmd hostsvc/firmware/backup_config

Step 4. Download the generated bundle file, connecting to the URL provided (http://<URL>/downloads/123456/configBundle-<xx.xx.xx.xx>.tgz)

Restore VMware ESXi host configuration

Step 1. Rename in “configBundle.tgz” the bundle file previously downloaded

Step 2. Connect to VMware ESXi CLI (via SSH)

Step 3. Set the host in maintenance mode

vim-cmd hostsvc/maintenance_mode_enter

Step 4. Upload the bundle file on VMware ESXi host (any available datastore)

Step 5. Reboot the host

Step 6. Restore VMware ESXi host configuration (replace <path> with the correct path to the file):

vim-cmd hostsvc/firmware/restore_config /<path>/configBundle.tgz

External resource:

“How to back up and restore VMware ESXi host configuration (2042141)”
https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/2042141