What is Pool Metadata  ?

XenServer hosts use a database on each host to store metadata about VMs and associated resources such as
storage and networking. When combined with storage repositories, this database forms the complete view of all
VMs available across the pool. Therefore, it is important to understand how to backup this database in order to
recover from physical hardware failure and other disaster scenarios.

Note: Applying hotfix XS82ECU1066 to your Citrix Hypervisor 8.2 Cumulative Update 1 hosts changes the behavior of this feature. For more information, see Backup and restore capabilities in XenServer xsconsole

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Instructions

Note:  Screenshots reflect test server.

1. Login to CLI using ssh and execute below command.

xsconsole

2. Go to Backup, Restore and Update tab and click enter.

3. Select Backup Virtual Machine Metadata.

4. Provide the root password and select the Storage repository to place the pool metadata (I am using local storage as my storage repository).

5. Backup will complete and shows the successful screen as below:

6. You should able to see approximately 500 MB inside the storage repository.

What is Pool Metadata XenServer hosts use a database on each host to store metadata about VMs and associated resources such as storage and networking. When combined with storage repositories, this database forms the complete view of all VMs available across the pool. Therefore it is important to understand how to backup this database in order to recover from physical hardware failure and other disaster scenarios.

https://support.citrix.com/s/article/CTX691251-backup-and-restore-capabilities-in-xenserver-xsconsole?language=en_US