Backing up management console data

This task backs up (or archives) the data that is stored on your HMC hard disk that is critical to support HMC operations.

Before you begin

Your remote system must have Network File System (NFS) or Secure Shell (ssh) configured, and this network must be accessible from the HMC. To complete this task, you must shut down and reboot the HMC. Use only the HMC to perform these tasks.

About this task

To back up the HMC hard disk drive to a remote system, you must be a member of one of the following roles:
  • Super administrator
  • Operator
  • Service representative

Back up the HMC data after changes have been made to the HMC or information associated with logical partitions.

The HMC data stored on the HMC hard drive can be saved to a DVD-RAM on a local system, a remote system mounted to the HMC file system (such as NFS), or sent to a remote site using File Transfer Protocol (FTP).
Note: For HMC model 7063-CR1, you can connect an external USB DVD drive.

Using the HMC, you can back up all important data, such as the following:

  • User-preference files
  • User information
  • HMC platform-configuration files
  • HMC log files
  • HMC updates through Install Corrective Service.

If you are using HMC Version 10.1.1020, or earlier, to back up the HMC hard drive to a remote system, complete the following steps:

  1. In the navigation area, click Console Management, and then select Console Management.
  2. In the content pane, click Backup Management Console Data.
  3. From the Backup Management Console Data window, select the archive option you want to perform.
  4. Click Next, then follow the appropriate instructions depending on the option you chose.
  5. Click OK to continue with the backup process.

If you are using the HMC Version 10.2.1030, or later, to back up the HMC hard drive to a remote system, complete the following steps:

  1. In the navigation area, click HMC management > HMC actions > Backup HMC data.
  2. From the Backup HMC Data window, select the archive option you want to perform.
  3. Click Next, then follow the appropriate instructions depending on the option you chose.
  4. Click OK to continue with the backup process.