<will-bloggs-too>

Here is a nice set of instructions on how to backup and restore the VM metadata for your XenServer shared resource pool:

1. On the source host or pool, in xsconsole, select the Backup, Restore, and Update menu option, select the Backup Virtual Machine Metadata option, and then select the desired SR.
2. In XenCenter, select the source host or pool and shutdown all running VMs with VDIs on the SR to be moved.
3. In the tree view select the SR to be moved and select Storage > Detach Storage Repository. The Detach Storage Repository menu option will not be displayed if there are running VMs with VDIs on the selected SR. After being detached the SR will be displayed in a grayed-out state.
   Warning: Do not complete this step unless you have created a backup VDI in step 1.
4. Select Storage > Forget Storage Repository to remove the SR record from the host or pool.
5. Select the destination host in the tree view and select Storage > New Storage Repository.
6. Create a new SR with the appropriate parameters required to reconnect the existing SR to the destination host. In the case of moving a SR between pools or hosts within a site the parameters may be identical to the source pool.
7. Every time a new SR is created the storage is checked to see if it contains an existing SR. If so, an option is presented allowing re-attachment of the existing SR. If this option is not displayed the parameters specified during SR creation are not correct.
8. Select Reattach.
9. Select the new SR in the tree view and then select the Storage tab to view the existing VDIs present on the SR.
10. In xsconsole on the destination host, select the Backup, Restore, and Update menu option, select the Restore Virtual Machine Metadata option, and select the newly re-attached SR.
11. The VDIs on the selected SR are inspected to find the metadata VDI. Once found, select the metadata backup you want to use.
12. Select the Only VMs on this SR option to restore the VMs.
13. Note Use the All VM Metadata option when moving multiple SRs between hosts or pools, or when using tiered storage where VMs to be restored have VDIs on multiple SRs. When using this option ensure all required SRs have been reattached to the destination host prior running the restore.
14. The VMs are restored in the destination pool in a shutdown state and are available for use.

Note: You can't have the same SR attached in two different pools when using XenCenter. You'll have to disconnect from the old shared pool to use the new one.

Enjoy!