Enabling the UUID Attribute for VMware Backups

In order for both VMware QuickSpin and VMware Standard to take application-consistent backups, the disk UUID attribute has to be enabled. This method for enabling the UUID requires the virtual machine be powered off. This article will show you how to set that attribute.

Directions

1. Open VMware vSphere client, and log into the ESXi host or vCenter machine managing the virtual machine you want to edit.
2. Locate the virtual machine and power it off. Then, click on the Edit Settings option.
   Go to the Options tab and click on the row labeled General under Advanced. On that page, click on the Configuration Parameters... button.
   
3. Look for a row starting with disk.EnableUUID in the configuration parameters. If it is set to false change the value to true and click OK.
   If you do not see that row, click the Add Row button and add it to look like the picture to the right. Click OK to save it.
4. Power on the machine to complete the process.