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Backup-to-disk configuration question

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by otaku_lord

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OK, here is the setup:

Full backup to tape on weekends.
Differential backup to disk on weekdays.

I have been tasked with moving the backup-to-disk folders to a new server that has a lot more space on it than the current device.

I have created the folders on the new servers. I have gone into "Devices" and added the folders as Backup-To-Disk entries.

Each backup job is run to a device pool consisting of the native server and a remote server folder. I removed the original BTD folders from the remote server and added the newly created folders to the device pool for each job accordingly.

When I procede to the testrun, the jobs fail stating: "Warning: Unable to reasonably detect which device this job will run to. Different possible outcomes depending on which device this job runs to. Please target a specific device to avoid this conflict."

I have checked the settings on the original, remote drive folders and see nothing different in the properties of either set.

If anyone has any ideas, I would really appreciate the input.

15 replies

by netwrk_admn

Have you gone into the specific job and changed it's device path? It's one thing to configure it on the application settings, but the back up job should have a place where it needs to know where to write (it could be tape, disk, etc).

Also which application are you using to back up? Would help for tech members to give you more specific answers.

by otaku_lord

The drive path never changed. I only changed the devices in the pool. My assumption being that the job wouldn't care as long as the pool was the same.

Under DEVICE AND MEDIA:
Device: ADC1
Media set:
Harddrive

The software I am using is Symantec Backup Exec 11.0 R. 7170...

by netwrk_admn

But did I provide the right answer? I use Symantec 11D, and I've changed my BtD drive multiple times, can't recall an issue, maybe the services could use a restart?

Under the back up job properties - Destination (Device and Media subfolder) there's the value.

A good bet, is to delete the BtD altogether and create a new one with a new alias and re-point your back up jobs.

Good luck!

by otaku_lord

because you gave me some avenues to consider which I had not yet... I consider that a good answer...

I posted the information under the Destination already. That doesn't change from job to job. The only thing that changes is the devices in the pool.

by netwrk_admn

http://seer.entsupport.symantec.com/docs/263679.htm

It states:

---------------
Error Text in Job History:
"Warning: Unable to reasonably detect which device this job will run to. Different possible outcomes depending on which device this job runs to. Please target a specific device to avoid this conflict."

Reason: The backup job is configured to use a "Drive Pool," "Cascaded Drive Pool," or "All Drives."
Solution: In order for the Test Run to succeed, a specific backup device must be targeted in the backup job.
-------------------------

So for mine, I have selected not a device pool (are your back up servers linked?). I have my BtD folder set up one further section below under a stand-alone media server labelled -> Backup-to-disk folders -> back up to disk folder 3 (i've changed mine a couple times and always created a new BtD folder). Hope that helps.

by otaku_lord

I am leaving for the day as I am only PT currently. I will try this tomorrow and let you know how it goes...

by otaku_lord

I restarted the services after making the change I wanted. Then I ran a test run.

Here are the results...

Device : INC-ADC01Online append capacity : 0.000 MBOnline overwrite capacity: 7,275 MBTotal append capacity : 0.000 MBTotal overwrite capacity : 696,515 MBCapacity check status : SuccessDevice : ADC01Online append capacity : 0.000 MBOnline overwrite capacity: 0.000 MBTotal append capacity : 0.000 MBTotal overwrite capacity : 696,515 MBCapacity check status : FailedMiscellaneous : Warning: Unable to reasonably detect which device this job will run to. Different possible outcomes depending on which device this job runs to. Please target a specific device to avoid this conflict.

by otaku_lord

I have a completely clean, remote server setup. I created a B2D folder and a job from scratch. The folder is located on this new server.

I ran the job and got the following error:

"Backup Diff - INCADC01 -- The job failed with the following error: This operation requires a backup-to-disk folder on a local NTFS volume on the media server. Check the job log for details."

Do I need to map the remote server's drive to "trick" the media server into thinking it is a local drive? Is there something I am missing?

by netwrk_admn

Sorry you're still having such a hard time with this. I use all local drives for my set up, but Symantec 11D (I know you're on 11.0) documentation allows for remote storage. My set up is an iSCSI SAN that appears as a local drive.

But yeah, like the subject, try mapping it locally as whatever drive you choose and try to back up a small test file from the back up server's C:.

From Symantec:
Requirements for creating a backup-to-disk folder
■ NTFS partitions (local or remote)
■ DFS shares
■ FAT/FAT32 partitions (local or remote)
■ Veritas? Volume Manager partitions
■ RAID drives with any configuration
■ NFS volumes
■ Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices

by otaku_lord

I will try that. I am also trying to get my IS Manager to allow me to just install Backup Exec on the remote server. That would eliminate the need for having to go through any of this... I will try the mapped drive approach though and see what happens.

by otaku_lord

failed.

The only drives that Backup Exec will even recognize are the two hard drives on the main system.

I am still waiting for IS Director to return from vacation to see about installing it on the new server...

by otaku_lord

but the backups are now working. I changed the following settings:

Device (to new B2D folder)
When this job begins (changed to Overwrite)
Backup Method for files (changed to Differential)

All eight of my jobs ran successfully last night with files going to the new server instead of being kept on the previous server...

by netwrk_admn

Now just make sure you have a full back up, as well as differentials. That'd be awkward if that was missed :D

by otaku_lord

with the B2D. All have been moveed over except one. It is doing the same thing as the others but I am going to mess around with it to see what the difference is. I honestly don't even think I did anything to facilitate the B2D's success. It seems like they just "started working on their own..."

As for fulls, they go to tape so all is good there since nothing changed with them!!

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