FAQ

VM Explorer

• Can I backup a running VM?
Yes, the VM Explorer will create a snapshot of your running virtual machine and backup the snapshot. The VM will still run during the entire backup process.
• Where can I find the user manual?
The user manual is installed with VM Explorer to your program file folder. You can also find a shortcut from your Windows start-menu > Trilead > VM Explorer to the documentation folder.
• Which TCP ports are required?
For ESXi Servers:
For ESXi editions only TCP Port 443 (HTTPS) is required
If the option 'Use VMX Agent on ESXi' is enabled, Ports 62000-65000 are required.
For ESX Servers:
For ESX servers 22 (SSH), 443 (HTTPS) and TCP Ports 2500-3000 are required.
To verify the ESX firewall you can run the following command
esxcfg-firewall -q
To modify manually your firewall please run the following command
esxcfg-firewall -o 2500:3000,tcp,in,VMX-Explorer
esxcfg-firewall -o 2500:3000,tcp,out,VMX-Explorer
If you are copying from/to ESXi using the agent, you have also to open the following ports on your ESX server
esxcfg-firewall -o 62000:65000,tcp,in,VMX-Explorer
esxcfg-firewall -o 62000:65000,tcp,out,VMX-Explorer
• How can I test VM Explorer Pro Edition
Just download the free edition of VM Explorer and request a Trial Key. After installing the trial key you can test all features of the Pro Edition.
• Can I use a different scheduler?
Yes, you can start VM Explorer backup tasks through commandline using diffent a different scheduler (for example Windows Scheduler). For more information type vmx.exe /? (see the /runtask option). Note: This feature is only available in the Pro Edition.
• Can I get faster backup performance on ESXi?
Yes, but Version 1.6 or higher is required: Verify your ESXi Server Settings in VM Explorer. Switch to 'Expert Settings' tab and enable the 'Use SSH' option and the 'Use the VMX Agent on ESXi' option. This will make the backup job faster.
• Can VM Explorer backup VMs using thin provisioning?
Yes, VM Explorer can backup these VMs. Note, the backup will require the full provisioned size.

Licencing & Ordering

• How can I buy VM Explorer?
You can buy it using our online store. Payment options are Master Card, VISA or invoice. If you choose one of the credit cards, the licence keys will be issued immediately after your order. If you choose invoice, the keys will be sent to you after the invoice has been paid.
• How does licencing exactly work?
You have only to buy one licence per installation. It doesn't matter how many ESX, Virtual Machines or CPUs you are using. It's only the number of installations of VM Explorer you have which count. In most cases only one single licence is required for the entire infrastructure.
• What is the price of VM Explorer?
For current pricing see our onlineshop.
• What does VM Explorer update protection cost after one year?
After one year of your first order you still can keep using VM Explorer with your licence. But you are not eligable to any future updates. Before your update subscription expires you will recieve the option to extend the update subscription for another year. The pricing will be 70% of your initial price.