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+# Hyper-V Backup Scripts
+
+Automated backup solution for Hyper-V virtual machines with three-tier backup strategy.
+
+## Overview
+
+This repository contains PowerShell scripts for comprehensive Hyper-V VM backup and management:
+
+- **Daily Snapshots** - Checkpoint-based incremental backups (7pm)
+- **Weekly Live Backups** - Live backups without downtime (Friday 8pm)
+- **Monthly Full Backups** - Complete VM exports with shutdown (First Sunday 1am)
+
+## Features
+
+- 🔄 Load-balanced checkpoint management
+- 💾 7-Zip compression for storage efficiency
+- 📦 Three-phase workflow: local processing → compression → NAS transfer
+- 🛡️ Critical server protection (business hours awareness)
+- 📊 Comprehensive logging and error handling
+- 🔧 Automated retention policies
+
+## Scripts
+
+### Daily-SnapshotBackup.ps1
+Creates daily VM checkpoints with staggered scheduling across two groups for load balancing.
+- **Schedule**: 7pm daily
+- **Retention**: 3 checkpoints per VM (6 days coverage)
+- **Groups**: VMs divided into two groups with 2-day intervals
+
+### weekly_vmbackup.ps1
+Live backup using checkpoints without VM downtime.
+- **Schedule**: Friday 8pm
+- **Retention**: 2 weekly backups (local and NAS)
+- **Compression**: 7-Zip (mx=7)
+
+### monthly_vmbackup.ps1
+Full shutdown export for complete VM backup.
+- **Schedule**: First Sunday 1am
+- **Retention**: 3 monthly backups (local and NAS)
+- **Compression**: 7-Zip (mx=9 maximum)
+
+### HyperVCheck.ps1
+Quick status check for all VMs and their checkpoints.
+
+### HyperVDiag.ps1
+Comprehensive diagnostic tool for performance issues and merge operations.
+
+## Configuration
+
+All scripts use the following paths (configurable):
+- **NAS**: `\\nas5362\Backups`
+- **Temp**: `F:\TempBackup`
+- **Local Backups**: `F:\Backups`
+- **7-Zip**: `C:\Program Files\7-Zip\7z.exe`
+
+## Usage
+
+```powershell
+# Daily snapshots - All VMs
+.\Daily-SnapshotBackup.ps1 -AllVMs -MaxSnapshots 7
+
+# Weekly backup - All VMs except critical servers
+.\weekly_vmbackup.ps1 -AllVMs -ExcludeVMs @("PS01", "DC01") -MaxBackups 2
+
+# Monthly backup - All VMs except critical servers
+.\monthly_vmbackup.ps1 -AllVMs -ExcludeVMs @("PS01", "DC01") -MaxBackups 3
+
+# Check VM status
+.\HyperVCheck.ps1
+
+# Run diagnostics
+.\HyperVDiag.ps1 -Detailed -ExportReport
+```
+
+## Task Scheduler Integration
+
+All scripts are designed to run via Windows Task Scheduler:
+- Daily: 7pm (snapshots)
+- Weekly: Friday 8pm (live backups)
+- Monthly: First Sunday 1am (full backups)
+
+## Infrastructure
+
+- **Platform**: Windows Server 2022
+- **Hyper-V**: Version 10.0.20348.1
+- **Storage**: F: drive for processing, NAS for long-term storage
+- **Critical Servers**: PS01, DC01 (weekend-only maintenance)
+
+## Backup Strategy
+
+1. **Local Processing First**: All operations on F: drive
+2. **Compression**: 7-Zip with appropriate levels
+3. **Network Transfer**: Bulk copy after all VMs complete
+4. **Immediate Cleanup**: Temp files removed after each VM
+5. **Retention Management**: Automated on both local and NAS storage
+
+## License
+
+Personal use - Hyper-V backup automation