Bare Metal Restore (BMR)¶
A Bare Metal Restore (BMR) restores a complete Slide backup to physical hardware. It is useful when a protected system has failed, its disks have been replaced, or you need to move the system to replacement hardware.
Unlike a file restore, a BMR rebuilds the selected system disks, including the operating system, applications, settings, and data. When the restore is complete, the destination can boot as the recovered system.
Danger
A BMR permanently replaces all data on the selected destination disks. Confirm every source-to-destination disk selection before starting.
When to use a BMR¶
Use a BMR when you need to:
- recover a failed physical server or workstation;
- replace damaged or failed storage;
- move a protected system to replacement physical hardware; or
- test a complete recovery on isolated hardware.
If you only need individual files or folders, use a file restore. If you need to bring a protected system online quickly while replacement hardware is being prepared, consider a virtualization.
Choose a BMR tool¶
Slide offers two BMR workflows:
| Slide BMR | Rescuezilla | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Most full-system recoveries | An alternate, manual workflow using a Slide Image Export |
| Restore source | A snapshot on a Slide Box or in the Slide Cloud | A VHD, VHDX, or raw image created with Image Export |
| Experience | Guided workflow with disk mapping, restore verification, and boot preparation | Third-party imaging interface with manual image and destination selection |
| Multiple disks | Maps each selected source disk to a destination disk | Restore each image to its destination separately |
| Guide | BMR with Slide | BMR with Rescuezilla |
For most recoveries, use Slide BMR. It connects directly to Slide, lets you choose a snapshot from the Slide Cloud or an on-site Slide Box, and guides you through the complete restore.
Rescuezilla remains available when you already have an Image Export or prefer an established third-party imaging workflow. It requires more manual preparation and does not include Slide BMR's guided disk planning and boot preparation.
Before you begin¶
For either workflow:
- Choose the snapshot you intend to restore and review its verification results.
- Shut down the original protected system. Do not allow the original and restored systems to run on the same production network at the same time.
- Clearly identify every destination disk. Disconnect disks that must not be overwritten whenever practical.
- Keep the recovered system isolated from production until you have confirmed its identity, networking, applications, and Slide Agent status.
- Use stable power and a reliable wired network connection for the restore whenever possible.
For the most predictable restore, use destination disks that are the same size as or larger than the protected disks. Slide BMR can assess some smaller-disk restores and will stop if it cannot produce a safe plan.
If the destination uses specialized storage hardware, has an unusual disk layout, or you are uncertain about any selection, contact Slide Support before starting the restore.