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How to Configure a VM Export Volume

In VergeOS, you can create a volume specifically for exporting selected virtual machines (VMs). This export volume can then be used with third-party backup software to back up the VMs. The volume contains VM snapshots from the most recent export.

Steps to Configure a VM Export Volume

1. Preparing the VMs for Export

  1. Edit the VMs you want to export:
    • Navigate to the VM settings and enable the option for Allow Export.

2. Setting Up the NAS Service

To host the VM export volume, you will need to create and configure a NAS service:

  1. Navigate to NAS > NAS Services.
  2. Click New.
  3. Provide Name, Hostname, TimeZone, and Networking for the NAS service.
  4. Click Submit to initialize the NAS service.

3. Starting the NAS Service

Once the NAS service is created:

  1. Select the NAS service from the list.
  2. Click Power On to bring the NAS online and prepare it to host the export volume.

4. Creating a NAS User

You’ll need to create a user to access the NAS:

  1. Navigate to NAS > NAS Services > The NAS Service you created.
  2. Click NAS Users > New.
  3. Provide a username and password.

5. Creating a New Volume for VM Export

  1. Navigate to NAS > Volumes > New
  2. Provide a Name for the volume and choose VergeOS VM Export as the filesystem type.
  3. Select the appropriate NAS service to host the export volume.
  4. Make sure Quiesced is checked.
  5. Adjust the number of exports to store.
  6. Click Submit.

6. Starting the VM Export

  1. Under Export VMs, select Start to initiate the VM export process.
  2. Confirm by clicking Yes at the prompt.

Setting up a CIFS Share for the Exported Data

To access the exported VM snapshots, set up a CIFS share on the NAS volume:

  1. Create a CIFS Share: - Navigate to NAS > CIFS Shares > New. - Select the export volume you created earlier as the target volume. - Provide a Share Name and assign the NAS user you created in step 4 to access the share.

  2. Access the Share: - Browse to \\IPorDNSnameoftheNAS\CIFSShareYouCreated. - Use the NAS user credentials when prompted.

!!! note "For Windows Users" You may need to edit the Group Policy (GPO) or modify the Windows Registry to connect using the Guest account if Guest mode is enabled.

Automating the VM Export

You can schedule regular exports by setting up an automated event:

  1. Navigate to the VM Export Volume.
  2. Select Events > New.
  3. Select *Scheduled as the Task Triggered by.
  4. Provide a Name for the task.
  5. Select VM Exports for section.
  6. Ensure VM Exports as the volume you created previously.
  7. Configure the event to trigger the export at your desired intervals.
  8. Click Submit

By following these steps, you'll have a properly configured VM export volume that can be used with third-party backup solutions, along with automated export scheduling.

Document Information

  • Last Updated: 2024-08-29
  • vergeOS Version: 4.12.6

Troubleshooting NAS CIFS Shares

In this guide, we'll walk through common issues you might encounter with NAS CIFS shares and provide step-by-step solutions. Let's empower you to resolve these issues efficiently!

Connectivity Errors

Issue: Unable to Connect to CIFS Shares

If you're experiencing connectivity issues when trying to access CIFS shares, you may need to enable insecure guest logins for SMB shares on your Windows device.

Solution: Enable Insecure Guest Logins

  1. Open Local Group Policy Editor - Press Win + R to open the Run dialog. - Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.

  2. Navigate to Policy Path - In the console tree, navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > Lanman Workstation.

  3. Edit Policy Setting - Locate Enable insecure guest logons in the right pane. - Right-click on it and select Edit.

  4. Enable the Setting - In the policy setting window, select Enabled. - Click OK to apply the changes.

  5. Restart Your Device - Restart your Windows device to ensure the changes take effect.

By enabling insecure guest logins, you should be able to resolve connectivity issues with CIFS shares.

Permission Denied Errors

Issue: Access Denied When Accessing CIFS Share

If you encounter permission denied errors, it may be due to incorrect user permissions or share settings.

Solution: Verify Permissions and Share Settings

  1. Check User Permissions - Ensure the user account has the necessary permissions to access the share. - Navigate to the NAS service and verify the user permissions for the specific share.

  2. Review Share Settings - Ensure that the share settings are correctly configured. - Navigate to NAS > Shares and verify the settings for the specific share. - Ensure that the share is browseable and that the correct users or groups have access.

  3. Force User/Group Options - If using the Force User Option or Force Group Option, ensure that the specified user or group has the correct access permissions.

Slow Performance

Issue: Slow Access to CIFS Shares

If accessing CIFS shares is slow, it might be due to network issues or incorrect configurations.

Solution: Optimize Performance Settings

  1. Check Network Connectivity - Verify that your network is stable and that there are no connectivity issues. - Use tools like ping or traceroute to check network latency and packet loss.

  2. Adjust SMB Protocol Version - Ensure you are using the optimal SMB protocol version. - Navigate to NAS > Volumes, select the volume, and verify the SMB protocol version under Advanced Configuration Options.

  3. Optimize NAS Configuration - Review and optimize NAS configurations such as caching and buffering settings. - Consult VergeOS Support for advanced configuration options to improve performance.

MacOS Issues

Issue: Unable to Access CIFS Shares from MacOS

MacOS users may encounter issues when trying to access CIFS shares due to differences in SMB protocol versions or other configuration settings.

Solution: Adjust MacOS Settings

  1. Ensure SMB Compatibility - Open the Terminal application on your Mac. - Use the following command to check the SMB protocol version: 

    smbutil statshares -a
    - Ensure the server supports SMB2 or SMB3, as SMB1 is deprecated and may not be supported by MacOS.

  2. Modify nsmb.conf - Create or edit the nsmb.conf file to force a specific SMB protocol version: 

    sudo nano /etc/nsmb.conf
    - Add the following lines to force SMB3: 
    [default]
smb_neg=smb3_only
    - Save the file and exit the editor.

  3. Clear SMB Cache - Use the following command to clear the SMB cache: 

    sudo rm -rf /var/db/samba/*
sudo rm -rf /var/db/smb/*

  4. Restart Your Mac - Restart your Mac to apply the changes.

Solution: Verify Share Configuration

  1. Check Share Permissions - Ensure the CIFS share permissions are correctly configured for the MacOS user. - Navigate to NAS > Shares and verify the settings for the specific share.

  2. Use Correct Credentials - When prompted, ensure you are using the correct username and password to access the share. - If anonymous access is required, ensure the share allows guest access.

Solution: Add Advanced Configuration Options

For better support for MacOS clients, you can add specific configurations under "Advanced Configuration Options" in the CIFS settings.

  1. Navigate to NAS CIFS Settings - Go to NAS and click on the CIFS box on the dashboard.

  2. Add Advanced Configuration Options - Under Advanced Configuration Options, add the following settings: 

    ea support = yes
vfs objects = fruit streams_xattr
fruit:metadata = stream
fruit:model = MacSamba
fruit:veto_appledouble = no
fruit:nfs_aces = no
fruit:posix_rename = yes
fruit:zero_file_id = yes
fruit:wipe_intentionally_left_blank_rfork = yes
fruit:delete_empty_adfiles = yes

  3. Save and Apply Settings - Save the changes and apply the new configuration settings.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve common issues with NAS CIFS shares effectively. If you continue to experience problems, please consult VergeOS Support for further assistance.

Document Information

  • Last Updated: 2024-09-03
  • VergeOS Version: 4.12.6