Need to backup FOSS - How

[spectra]

Guys,
I've read the wikis and the strategies for backing up zimbra.
What I like the most is how to, at some frequency, backup up critical zimbra data.

I was running Zimbra and when the GUI never came up for me to login, I was dead in the water. Didn't know what to do.
I had a script that was daily copying the actual /opt/zimbra directory to tar file.

So, I can shut down the machine or whatever is needed. I just want a solid way to stop everything, copy the stuff somewhere. If ever zimbra can't be logged into, GUI login never comes up, I grab another box and run my install again. I should be able to just copy over what I saved last.

So, what are you guys doing to backup zimbra FOSS.
What are the critical directories, files, areas.
Do I need to to mysql dump, ldap dumps etc.

Lemme kno plz

[phoenix]

Originally Posted by spectra

So, I can shut down the machine or whatever is needed. I just want a solid way to stop everything, copy the stuff somewhere. If ever zimbra can't be logged into, GUI login never comes up, I grab another box and run my install again. I should be able to just copy over what I saved last.

There are details all over the forum on how to backup and restore zimbra on a new server. What you need to do is Run the restore strategy (disaster recovery) before you actually need to do one, you must practice that on a regular basis so you know how to do it.

Originally Posted by spectra

What are the critical directories, files, areas.
Do I need to to mysql dump, ldap dumps etc.

The critical files are all the files in the /opt/zimbra directory structure.

[spectra]

I agree. I have gone thru them and it seems that as soon as I lock in on something, somebody says well....that isn't right do this.

Which backup strategy article/wiki do you know to be tried and true ?

Sometimes the stuff gets confusing with some many ppl saying stuff and nobody really saying hey, it works.

I posted something in install to help somebody and I know it works. It's tried and true. I cut and paste it. I kept it simple.

Hoepfully clear and thanks