How to implement a pre/post command when running a VMware backup job

Problem

How to implement a pre or post command when running a VMware backup job

Solution

When running a VMware backup, the traditional way of using the pre/post command functionality within Backup Exec is not possible.

If it is required to run a pre/post command for a VMware backup the following steps are required:

1. Make sure of VMware tools is installed.

2. Put the custom script(s) in the following folder

When the VMware snapshot request is made, the VMware tools will call these files.

Pre-freeze:

All the scripts at the folder are invoked in alphabetical order with freeze as the first argument.

Post-thaw:

All the scripts at the folder are invoked in descending alphabetical order with thaw or freezeFail as the first argument.

Script name:

Because Backup Exec Remote Agent puts 'freeze.bat' on Windows VMs, we recommend the custom script name starts with a-e.

External reference:

Running custom quiescing scripts inside Windows virtual machine with ESX 3.5 Update 2 and later (1006671)
https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/1006671

Note: Since VMware often changes the way or path of the pre/post scripts, VMware Technical Support should be contacted for guidance for the current version.