Hi Rainer,

> I have tested the 'verexist' option and can see that
> (without running expiration on the server)
> I can do for example 6 incremental backups on the same always changing
file.
>
> Now the query on the inactive Files only shows up 5 Versions of that
file
> even though there are really 6 Versions stored at the server.
> I am not sure but i think in former tsm-Versions i could
> query/restore all the 6 Versions from the Client.
> Is that behavior now normal ?

The behavior is normal. I do not recall whether it ever worked otherwise.

When the 6th backup version is created, the oldest version is deactivated.
A SELECT statement against the BACKUPS table will show a DEACTIVATE_DATE
of 1 January 1900. This is a special value that indicates the version is
ready to be deleted via inventory expiration. For other (available)
inactive versions, DEACTIVATE_DATE is the date the version became
inactive.

> Consequently for the retonly-Option ( here 60 days ) :
> If not running any expiration on the server: Am I able to restore
> an inactive / deleted file  - expired more than 60 days ago ?

I believe that the last version might still be available if inventory
expiration has not run (and if VERDELETED is nonzero). I am not an expert
on the server, but I think this is because there is no other activity to
cause the DEACTIVATE_DATE to change to 1 January 1900. Instead, the
expired version is detected and deleted the next time inventory expiration
runs.

Note that you should NOT rely on the availability of the file after
RETONLY has transpired. You should only expect to have versions per your
defined management class and copy group settings.

Regards,

Andy

Andy Raibeck
IBM Software Group
Tivoli Storage Manager Client Development
Internal Notes e-mail: Andrew Raibeck/Tucson/IBM@IBMUS
Internet e-mail: storman AT us.ibm DOT com

IBM Tivoli Storage Manager support web page:
http://www-306.ibm.com/software/sysmgmt/products/support/IBMTivoliStorageManager.html

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