VMWare hot backup while it is running

Here is an example on how to backup VM TigersAdminW01 while it is running.

1. Use VMWare server console connect to VM Host server for TigersAdminW01

2. At Server Console take a snapshot for VM TigersAdminW01

3. Copy following files to backup directory:
.vmx file: Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition.vmx
.vmdk files: Disk0.vmdk
Disk0-s001.vmdk - Disk0-s051.vmdk

DO NOT COPY: Disk0-000001.vmdk, Disk0-000001-s001.vmdk, Disk0-000001-s051.vmdk
these are snapshot files.

4. Modify .vmx file.
Change:
scsi0:0.fileName = "Disk0-000001.vmdk"
to:
scsi0:0.fileName = "Disk0.vmdk"

Now you have a true backup of VM TigersAdminW01

5. Move this backup directory to any VM host server. Use VMWare server console to "Open an existing VM". Choose to "Keep" same UID when power on this backup VM

6. Remove the snapshot you took for backup purpose:
Suspend the VM, remove the snapshot, resume the VM.