Skip to main content

Snapshots

In part 1 (see part 1 here) we looked at how to upload snapshots using FTP. You can also create/remove snapshots using the Registry Editor.

Registry​

Snapshots are saved as keys within the registry. You can see registry values using Registry Editor.

regedit menu

Registry Editor

The file-explorer-like view lets you navigate the registry.

Warning: Incorrect changes to the registry can render a NetAcquire server inoperable, requiring the unit to be repaired by the manufacturer. This tool is intended for use by advanced users or by instruction from technical support.

The snapshots appear under /netacq/server/configurations.

snapshots in registry

Transferring a Snapshot​

First we need to have the contents (XML) of a snapshot. You might get that from multiple places. E.g.,

  • Registry Editor – click on one of the snapshots, highlight all the contents and use <ctrl-c> to copy.

    regedit copy

  • Snapshot Save and Load – select a snapshot, then click the Advanced tab. Highlight the XML contents and use <ctrl-c> to copy.

    snapshot copy

  • File – If you copied a snapshot off a server via FTP, you could access the file directly.

Create the Snapshot Key​

Using registry editor on the target system, right-click the configurations node and select Create.

![create key]resources/002/(image-3.png)

An editor will pop up. Fill in a name for your snapshot (Field) and then paste the XML contents of the snapshot into the Value section.

create key 2

Click OK and you’re done.

resulting key

Snapshot Save and Load​

If you had the Snapshot Save and Load page open already, use the reload buttonat the top-left of the window to reload and pick up the registry change we just made.

reload button

And there’s is our snapshot. You can now use it to load or make partial snapshot out of. This same procedure can be used to copy partial snapshots between servers.

resulting snapshot

Limitations​

If you have essentially identical systems, moving snapshots between them is not too concerning. If you have systems with different versions, subsystems, and/or hardware, there are some limitations. For instance, a snapshot from a system with version 8.9.0 can’t be applied to something older, like a system running 8.5.0. Various checks are run when you load a snapshot to help prevent complications regarding mismatched versions, software, or hardware.