While I’ve investigated and pinpointed various solutions regarding comparable configurations, none have effectively addressed leveraging a dedicated Windows server – specifically, a Dell PowerEdge R730xd connected to a Dell PowerVault M1200 storing nine (eight plus one spare) Seagate Iron Wolf Professional 22TB drives in a RAID 0 setup.
The server was configured with Windows Server, followed by the deployment of virtual machines (Windows 10 Professional) using VMWare, designed to accommodate various tasks and functions – primarily focused on storing data downloaded or backed up to designated file shares, each with specific folders for distinct tasks.
I access the server via Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection (RDT) from my MacBook Pro (M2 Max), which boasts an impressive 8TB internal solid-state drive and 64GB of RAM, all running on macOS Ventura 13.5.2.
I’ve attempted to configure a virtual machine on the server to establish an macOS emulator and install Ventura OS, following the procedure outlined here. Unfortunately, I was unable to complete the preceding step four, as the clear ISO image of Ventura OS failed to deploy. I successfully used Monterey as an alternative, generating a fresh ISO file. Not necessarily setting up both? So, proper now I’m caught.
When attempting to link an external hard drive to a server for Time Machine backup, I’ve considered providing guidelines on how to do so successfully; however, due to the RAID configuration, whenever Windows encounters a drive formatted in TM’s unique format, it promptly prompts to reformat the drive.
I then tried abandoning Time Machine and instead employed Carbon Copy Cloner, a separate software application installed on my MacBook Pro, which can synchronize with the server over the network using its free trial option. Despite my efforts, I haven’t found a way to effortlessly link specific folders in the file share drive to automatically connect upon booting my MacBook Pro, requiring me to manually reset each destination drive every time the software runs? That’s irritating and never possible.
A solution must be devised to address this issue.
What have I missed? There may exist updated methodologies or specialized knowledge available elsewhere in the vast expanse of online forums.
I would greatly appreciate some reliable guidance to resolve this issue.
Thanks.
