VM backup fails due to the same UUID of the Virtual Machine initiated by the Commvault Backup Tool

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

• The Virtual Machine restore operation in CommVault retains the original VM's UUID for the restored instance instead of generating a new UUID if the toggle button is not selected during restoration.
• As a result, both the original virtual machine and the restored virtual machine will have the same UUID leading to a failure in scheduled backup activity in CommVault.

Environment

VMware vCenter Server 7.0.x

VMware vCenter Server 8.0.x

Resolution

Procedure to Modify the UUID of a Virtual Machine

1. Power Off the VM: Ensure the virtual machine is powered off to prevent data corruption.
2. Create a Configuration File Backup: Back up the virtual machine's configuration file (.vmx) as a precautionary measure.
3. Edit the Configuration File: Utilize a text editor to open the .vmx file for modification.
4. Locate the UUID Entry: Search for the "uuid.bios" entry within the configuration file uuid.bios = “00 11 22 33 44 55 66 77-88 99 aa bb cc dd ee ff”
5. Modify the UUID: Make a slight alteration to the UUID string, ensuring it adheres to the specified format. Use quotation marks as required by the text editor.
6. Save the Configuration File: Save the modified configuration file and close the text editor.
7. Power On the VM: Start the virtual machine to apply the UUID change.