BDRSuite Backup Proxy (VBP) is an optional component that aids in reducing the load on the backup server while backing up VMware. This guide outlines the prerequisites necessary for a successful installation of BDRSuite Backup Proxy (VBP) on Microsoft Windows.

1. Access Privilege for Microsoft Windows:

Ensure that the credential used to add the Windows machines (Target Host) for backup has one of the following privileges:

1. Administrator
2. User with administrator privilege
   

Note: On Windows Workstations, the built-in Administrator account is disabled by default. It is advisable to create a user account with administrator privileges.

2. Access Privilege in the BDR Backup Server Host:

On the BDR Backup Server host, confirm that the Windows service ‘Vembu BDR Backup Server for Virtual Physical Workloads’ runs in an administrator user account.

1. Open the Run window with ‘Win + R’ keys, type ‘services.msc,’ and click OK.
2. Right-click on the service ‘BDRSuite Backup Server for Virtual Physical Workloads,’ click ‘Properties.’
3. Navigate to the ‘Logon’ tab, choose the ‘This account’ radio button, provide the administrator user privilege (username format: .\username and password), and click OK.
4. Stop and restart the service to apply the new logon.
   

3. Access to the Folder - “Admin$” in the Target Windows Host:

Make sure the BDR Backup Server host has access to the “Admin$” folder of the target host: Type \\IP Address of target host\admin$ in ‘Run’ and click OK.

a. If the UNC path is accessible, move to Prerequisite 4.

b. If the UNC path is not accessible, perform the steps below:

Step 1: Add the below-mentioned Inbound rule in the target host, to make sure your firewall doesn’t block the Windows Management Instrumentation function.

1. Open Control Panel and navigate to System and Security -> Windows Firewall -> Advanced Settings.
2. On the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security dialog box, click the ‘Inbound Rules’ option on the left.
   
3. Under the Actions pane on the right, click ‘New Rule’.
   
4. On the New Inbound Rule Wizard, choose the option ‘Predefined’ as Rule Type.
   
5. Then, select the ‘Remote Service Management’ rule from the dropdown, and click ‘Next’.
   
6. Rules under the selected type will be listed, proceed with the option ‘Enabled by Default’ and click Next.
   
7. On the Action page, choose the option ‘Allow the Connection’ and then click ‘Finish’.
   

Step 2: Make sure the following services are running in the target host:

1. Press the ‘Win + R’ keys on your keyboard to open the 'Run' window. Then, type ‘services.msc’ and click OK.
2. Check the services ‘Server Service’ and ‘Windows Remote Management (WS-management)’ and confirm if their status is running.
   
3. Once the above two steps are performed, in the BDR Backup Server host type ‘\\IP Address of target host\admin$’ in 'Run' and click OK. If you are able to access the Admin$ share, proceed with the next step.
   

4. Access to Windows Management Instrumentation:

Add the ‘Windows Management Instrumentation’ rule in the target Windows host to prevent firewall blocking.

Open Control Panel and navigate to System and Security -> Windows Firewall -> Advanced Settings.

On the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security dialog box, click the ‘Inbound Rules’ option on the left.

Under the Actions pane on the right, click ‘New Rule’.

On the New Inbound Rule Wizard, choose the option ‘Predefined’ as Rule Type.

Then, select the ‘Windows Management Instrumentation’ Rule from the dropdown, and click ‘Next’.

Rules under the selected type will be listed, proceed with the option 'Enabled by Default' and click Next.

On the Action page, choose the option ‘Allow the Connection’ and then click Finish.

Make sure the following service is running in the target host:

1. Press the ‘Win + R’ keys on your keyboard to open the 'Run' window. Then, type ‘services.msc’ and click OK.
   
2. Check the service ‘Windows Management Instrumentation’ and confirm if its status is running.

5. Access to Remote Registry:

1. In the target Windows host, press the ‘Win + R’ keys on your keyboard to open the 'Run' window. Then, type ‘services.msc’ and click OK
   

1. Check the service ‘Remote Registry’ and make sure its status is running.
   

6. WBEMTest Verification:

After completing the prerequisites, perform the WBEMTest to test remote connectivity to the target host from the BDR Backup Server host.

1. Press ‘Win + R’ keys, type ‘wbemtest,’ and click OK.
2. Enter \\IP Address of the target host\root\cimv2 in the namespace field.
3. Enter the Username and Password of the target host in the credential section and click ‘Connect.’
4. If any error occurs, recheck the prerequisites.
5. Successful WBEMTest allows you to add the target Windows machine as a backup proxy in the BDR Backup Server.