Problem
Taking a snapshot of ISE virtual machines is not supported but it still happens occasionally due to administrators taking a snapshot manually or an integrated technology that automatically takes snapshots to back up VMs. When taking a snapshot of a live VM, the file system is quiesced which can lead to the ISE node becoming unresponsive or worse, corrupting it requiring a rebuild.
Solution
A configuration parameter can be added to each ISE VM to prevent a snapshot from being taken. See the attached document for the steps with screenshots or follow the steps below:
- Before powering on the ISE VM for the first time, right-click the VM and click Edit Settings. If the VM is already powered on, you must shut it down to make changes.
- Click the VM Options tab.
- Click Advanced to expand it.
- Scroll to the bottom and locate Configuration Parameters and click the Edit Configuration button.
- Click the Add Configuration Params button.
- Enter snapshot.maxSnapshots into the Name field and enter 0 into the Value field, then click OK.
- Attempt to create a snapshot of the VM to test. The task should error out.