This email contains the text version of the Veritas NetBackup FAQ. There
is also an HTML version available at:
http://www.backupcentral.com/netbackup-faq.html
(This text version of the FAQ is also available in one big file at:
http://www.backupcentral.com/netbackup-faq.txt.html)
The text version of the FAQ is only mailed out if there have been changes.
If you are interested in just the lines that have changed, there is a diff
between this version and the last version at the end of the FAQ.
(To go straight there, search for the word "DIFFERENCES.")
The way I am creating the text version of the FAQ is by using lynx -dump
on the URLs. It seems to format it very nicely, including one very nice
feature. If you're reading the text, and see a number like this [5], it
is a hyperlink to a URL. If you'd like to see which URL it is, searh
for the word references at the end of each section. The number that
matches the number in parentheses is the URL that the link points to.
Remember that this FAQ is actually spread out across several URLs, so this
text version of the FAQ reflects that. Each section is separated by two
lines with dashes, between which is the URL for the following section.
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NetBackup Frequently Asked Questions: Version 0.20
Table of Contents
[1]About this FAQ
What is the purpose of this FAQ? Who maintains it? How can I
get a copy?
[2]Support
How do I get help with my NetBackup installation?
[3]Versioning
What are the different versions, and how do I know which one I
have?
[4]Licensing
How is this product licensed?
[5]Terminology
Just what do NetBackup folk mean when they say "XYZ?"
[6]Education
How can I learn more about NetBackup, and backup and recovery
in general?
[7]Configuration
How do I configure NetBackup?
[8]Runtime
What does NetBackup behave like when it's running?
[9]Integrity
How do I maintain the integrity of my backups, and the backups
of the database?
[10]Logging
Where are the logs, what do they do, and how can I get more of
them?
[11]Recovery
How do you restore files with NetBackup?
[12]Administrative Tasks
What tasks must be done on a regular basis if you're
administering NetBackup?
[13]Location of Files
Where are the important files for NetBackup, and what do they
do?
[14]User Backups and Restores
How can users do their own backups and restores?
References
1. file://localhost/home/curtis/backupcentral-www/netbackup-faq-0.html
2. file://localhost/home/curtis/backupcentral-www/netbackup-faq-1.html
3. file://localhost/home/curtis/backupcentral-www/netbackup-faq-2.html
4. file://localhost/home/curtis/backupcentral-www/netbackup-faq-3.html
5. file://localhost/home/curtis/backupcentral-www/netbackup-faq-4.html
6. file://localhost/home/curtis/backupcentral-www/netbackup-faq-5.html
7. file://localhost/home/curtis/backupcentral-www/netbackup-faq-6.html
8. file://localhost/home/curtis/backupcentral-www/netbackup-faq-7.html
9. file://localhost/home/curtis/backupcentral-www/netbackup-faq-8.html
10. file://localhost/home/curtis/backupcentral-www/netbackup-faq-9.html
11. file://localhost/home/curtis/backupcentral-www/netbackup-faq-10.html
12. file://localhost/home/curtis/backupcentral-www/netbackup-faq-11.html
13. file://localhost/home/curtis/backupcentral-www/netbackup-faq-12.html
14. file://localhost/home/curtis/backupcentral-www/netbackup-faq-13.html
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NetBackup Frequently Asked Questions - v0.20 - About this FAQ
[1]Return to the FAQ's Table of Contents
Disclaimers
This FAQ may not be distributed for financial gain.
No warranties, no guarantees. The information below is believed to be
correct, but I have included statements that I have not rigorously
verified. If something in this document trashes your server, I'm not
responsible, nor are any of my employers, present past or future, nor
anyone quoted in this document.
The goal of this FAQ is to cover issues involving Legato Networker,
BSMs, or OEM versions of this product. Unless otherwise stated,
everything written here is the opinion of the FAQ maintainer.
Q: What is the purpose of this FAQ?
A: This FAQ is the list of frequently asked questions from the
NetBackup users mailing list. (See the "[2]support" section of the
FAQ for information about this list, including how to subscribe and
unsubscribe.)
Q: Who maintains this FAQ?
W. Curtis Preston ( [3]http://www.backupcentral.com ) compiles the
questions and answers that comprise this FAQ. However, most questions
and answers are submitted by other members of the list. Special thanks
go to the members of the [4]Collective Technologies Backup and
Recovery Practice. All questions and answers not specifically
credited to a particular person were submitted by them, and they
created the first version of this FAQ ex nihilo. (We will be happy to
give special credit in the section of the FAQ for any person or group
that submits a large number of questions and answers to this FAQ.)
Q: How do I submit a question for the FAQ?
If you have a question and know the answer, please submit both the
answer and question to netbackup-faq AT backupcentral DOT com. If you know
the question, but not the answer, please submit it to the netbackup
mailing list, and then send us a short summary of the answers. In
either case, we will include the submission, and will give credit for
the submissioin to you.
Q: How do I obtain a copy of the FAQ?
The FAQ is currently available on-line at
[5]http://www.backupcentral.com/netbackup-faq.html. We are currently
exploring the various ways to send it to the mailing list.
References
1. http://www.backupcentral.com/netbackup-faq.html
2. file://localhost/home/curtis/backupcentral-www/netbackup-faq-1.html
3. http://www.backupcentral.com/
4. http://www.colltech.com/
5. http://www.backupcentral.com/netbackup-faq.html
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NetBackup FAQ - v0.20 - Support
[1]Return to the FAQ's Table of Contents
Q: Where is Veritas web site?
A: The expected - [2]http://www.veritas.com/
Q: How can I keep up with notifications and updates for NetBackup and
Media Manager?
A: Visit [3]http://maillist.support.veritas.com/ for a list of Veritas
email notification services. Subscribe to the ones that are of
interest to you.
Q: How can I keep up with all of Veritas product lines?
A: Veritas publishes a quarterly product promotion magazine called VOX
Veritas. Send an email to [4]mailto://vox AT veritas DOT com asking them to
send you a free copy. Include your name and snail mail address.
Q: Is there an user's group mailing list for Veritas NetBackup?
A: Yes, there is an unmoderated mailing list available at
[5]http://mailman.eng.auburn.edu/mailman/listinfo/veritas-bu with an
archive of the list available at
[6]http://mailman.eng.auburn.edu/pipermail/veritas-bu/ for mailings
after Feb 2000. For archives of the Auburn mailing list from Jan 1997
through Feb 2000, visit
[7]http://www.eng.auburn.edu/pub/mail-lists/veritas-users/.
Q: Is there a newsgroup for NetBackup?
A: Yes. Configure your NNTP client to access
[8]news://news.support.veritas.com for Veritas newsgroups. There are
multiple news groups for NetBackup. They are moderated by Veritas
staff.
Q: Is there a knowledge base I can browse?
A: Yes, visit [9]http://seer.support.veritas.com/search/techsearch.asp
to access Veritas free tech database.
Q: Where can I get patches for NetBackup?
A: Visit [10]ftp://ftp.support.veritas.com/pub/support/Products/ for
patches. You should logon anonymously.
Q: How can I get special patches for NetBackup extensions?
A: NetBackup extension patches are username and password protected.
Refer to technotes -
[11]http://seer.support.veritas.com/tnotes/NETBACKUP/204740.htm for
details on obtaining these patches.
Q: Can I get technical support from Veritas via email?
A: Technical support via email requires a support contract. You may
subscribe by calling 800.342.0652. If you have support, visit
[12]http://seer.support.veritas.com/email_forms/email_support.asp and
enter the requested information into their web based form.
Q: How do I get technical support from Veritas?
A: Support is available at 800.634.4747. You must have paid support to
use this service. If you do not have a support contract you may
subscribe by calling Veritas Software 800.327.2232.
References
1. http://www.backupcentral.com/netbackup-faq.html
2. http://www.veritas.com/
3. http://maillist.support.veritas.com/
4. mailto://vox AT veritas DOT com/
5. http://mailman.eng.auburn.edu/mailman/listinfo/veritas-bu
6. http://mailman.eng.auburn.edu/pipermail/veritas-bu/
7. http://www.eng.auburn.edu/pub/mail-lists/veritas-users/
8. news://news.support.veritas.com/
9. http://seer.support.veritas.com/search/techsearch.asp
10. ftp://ftp.support.veritas.com/pub/support/Products/
11. http://seer.support.veritas.com/tnotes/NETBACKUP/204740.htm
12. http://seer.support.veritas.com/email_forms/email_support.asp
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NetBackup FAQ - v0.20 - Recovery
[1]Return to the FAQ's Table of Contents
Q: What do I need to know before I do a recovery of a whole system?
A: You need to know that you have good backups. You should verify
media that is written to if practical. Otherwise periodically and
randomly read verify data. You need to know what portion of the
filesystem is data, which is application, and which is operating
system. You need to know the filesystem layout. You need to have
license keys that are required to build the base system before
restoring data. You need to possess the operating system disks. You
need to know basic network topology for the system you are restoring.
You should have a run book for your system with all critical
documentation. Some systems allow you to recover your root filesystem
using specific commands. You should consider using them for a quick
recovery of a root filesystem.
Q: How do I recover a filesystem, directory, or file?
A: Go to Chapter Five of the NetBackup Troubleshooting Guide and
follow the detailed steps outlined there. If you cannot find your
manual, but have the your CDs, look for the file nbts_unix.pdf or
nbts_nt.pdf for UNIX and NT respectively. Read this BEFORE you need to
recover something.
References
1. http://www.backupcentral.com/netbackup-faq.html
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NetBackup FAQ - v0.20 - Administrative Tasks
[1]Return to the FAQ's Table of Contents
Q: How is the NetBackup product installed and configured?
A: Before you can backup a client you need to configure your robots,
add your tape drives, configure your volume pools, add volumes to the
volume pools, define a class for you client, and make a backup
schedule for the client.
Q: How do I add a robot to a Media server?
A: Physically attach the library to the Media server and follow the
specific configuration instructions specified by the manufacturer and
the OS vendor. Verify that you can give the robot instructions at the
OS level. Start xdevadm and select Add Robot from the Robot dialog
menu. Select the appropriate robot type by consulting the Release
Notes document Supported Peripherals (release_notes.pdf). Specify a
unique robot number that will not be used within the rest of the
organization, and specify the volume database host that will store the
client indexes (it is recommended that you always specify your master
server). If your robot is being controlled by another system, specify
the host that is controlling it. If your robot is locally controlled,
specify the specify the robot control file. Consult the Media Manager
Device Configuration Guide for additional details. When you are ready
for NetBackup to see the robot, you must restart the media manager
daemon (ltid) by using the command /usr/openv/volmgr/bin/stopltid
followed by /usr/openv/volmgr/bin/ltid to restart it. Any backups that
are in progress at that time may fail.
Q: How do I add a tape drive to a Media server?
A: Physically attach the drive to the Media server and follow the
specific configuration instructions specified by the manufacturer and
the OS vendor. Verify that you can give the drive instructions at the
OS level. Start xdevadm and select Add Drive from the Drives dialog
menu. Select the appropriate drive type and give it a drive index
number that will be unique for the media server the drive is connected
to as well as a drive name which should be unique for the
organization. Specify the no-rewind device file for the device using
the Berkley style close and compression (if available). Verify that
the type of drive you are using is in the st.conf file. Consult the
Media Manager Device Configuration Guide for details. If the drive and
OS do not have native tape alert cleaning features (generally Exabyte
8900 Mammoths, Quantum and Tandberg DLT2/4/7000s, Sony AIT SDX-300Cs,
STK ½ inch cartridge, and STK 9840s) select a frequency based cleaning
routine (in hours). Set the robot type and robot number that is
feeding the drive media. When you are ready for NetBackup to see the
drive, you must restart the media manager daemon (ltid) by using the
command /usr/openv/volmgr/bin/stopltid followed by
/usr/openv/volmgr/bin/ltid to restart it. Any backups that are in
progress at that time may fail.
Q: How do I bring a drive up or down?
A: Use the vmoprcmd(1M). See the man page for details.
Q: What volume pools do I want to setup?
A: Netbackup will setup a Netbackup pool that is used for database
(indexes) backups. It will also setup a None pool which is available
to any user or application for backups. You will likely want a scratch
volume pool from which unused tapes can be automatically pulled. You
will want additional volume pools based upon who is allowed to use
certain resources. You may also wish to assign volume pools for
duplication, archives, or other purposes.
Q: How do I add a volume pool?
A: Using the Actions menu under xvmadm, select New | Volume Pool.
Enter the pool name, the NetBackup server hostname, the user and group
allowed to access the pool (use ANY for all users, and NONE for no
groups), and a description of the pool.
Q: How do I delete a volume pool?
A: Ensure that all volumes are NOT assigned to the volume pool to be
deleted. Select from the main xvmadm window the volume pool to be
deleted, then select Action | Delete.
Q: What is a volume group?
A: A volume group is a group of volumes that have some common physical
location or characteristic, such as being in the same library, at the
same offsite location, having the same media density, or the like.
There may be more than one group in a location, however, all media in
a volume group must be in the same location.
Q: How do I add a volume group?
A: You can add a volume group when you are adding new volumes. When
adding a single volume and specifying the volume group, simply type in
the name of the new volume group you wish to create.
Q: How do I delete a volume group?
A: Verify that all volumes that were in the volume group have been
deassigned from that volume group. Using the xvmadm program, select
the desired volume group from the media management window, then select
Actions | Delete.
Q: How do I inventory my library?
A: Using xvmadm, select Robots | Use Inventory to Update Volume
Information Then select the robot on the host you wish to inventory
and select Show Robot Contents to obtain an inventory. Note that ACS
and TLM type libraries are not managed by NetBackup and you cannot
inventory through this method.
Q: How do I compare my library inventory to the media database?
A: follow the steps outlined to inventory a library except you should
Compare Contents with Volume Configuration instead of Show Robot
Contents.
Q: My library inventory and volume configuration dont match. What
should I do?
A: If you are using barcodes with your library, then select the Update
Volume Configuration button found under Robots | Use Inventory to
Update Volume Information If you are not using barcodes, then you must
physically move the media to the position indicated by the media
volume configuration.
Q: How do I label media?
A: If necessary utilize multiple ALLOW_MEDIA_OVERWRITE directives in
bp.conf file to overwrite previously used media of a recognized type
(ANSI, AOS/VS, CPIO, DBR, MTF1, or TAR). Use the bplabel(1M) command
to write a label.
Q: When do I replace media in my library?
A: If you are encountering too many errors, or if the media has
exceeded the recommended maximum number of mounts. You may also wish
to replace media in your library if the tape is full, or if the tape
has expired, but you wish to retain the data.
Q: How do I replace media in my library?
A: If you do not wish to reuse the media ID of the replaced media,
move the old media out of the library and replace the old media with
new media with identical characteristics except for the media ID. If
you wish to reuse the media ID, expire the old media with bpexpdate d
0 ev <media id>, move the old media out of the library, delete the
media from the NetBackup media database, insert new media with
identical characteristics including the media ID. The second method
will result in data loss if the tape is not already expired.
Q: Why do I want to recycle media?
A: Sometimes you will need to expire media before the normal
expiration date. You may have a shortage of media or slots that
necessitates recycling.
Q: How do I recycle media?
A: Utilize the command bpexpdate d 0 ev <media id> to force recycling
of your media. Normally, the media will expire and recycle itself.
Q: How do I change the attributes of media?
A: You can change the volume group, logical location, expiration date,
barcode, description, volume pool, maximum mount, number of mounts /
cleanings, media type, robot type, and other attributes, by using the
vmchange(1M) command.
Q: How do I add a volume to the media database?
A: Physically place the volume in the library. Then using xvmadm,
select Robots | Use Inventory to Update Volume Information Then select
the Update Volume Configuration button. If the tapes have barcodes,
they will be read. If they do not, then you will be prompted for a
media id to enter. There is a six character limit.
Q: What does a class influence?
A: A class groups a set of common characteristics. A class influences
the files to be backed up, when backups occur, and whether to do full,
cumulative, or differential backups. The storage units and pools that
should be used are specified. Whether a class is active, the priority
of the class and which clients belong to it are also factored in.
Q: How do I add a class?
A: Using xbpadm, select Actions | New Class. Specify a name describing
the common characteristic of systems in this class. You may then
either copy the characteristics from an existing class or create it
from one of the available class types. Specify the Class Type, the
Storage Unit you wish to use, as well as the Volume Pool. You may
specify the Maximum number of Jobs for that class, and may set the
Class Priority and a Keyword phrase to associate with the class. Pick
the options you wish to use and then proceed to add the clients,
schedules, and files you want. Once you are satisfied with the class,
make it active and apply.
Q: How do I modify a class?
A: Using xbpadm, select the class you wish to modify, right click and
choose Change Class. Select the attribute you wish to change and
apply.
Q: How do I delete a class?
A: Using xbpadm, select the class you wish to delete, right click, and
choose Delete Class.
Q: How does scheduling work?
A: Scheduling is based off of classes. To have a common schedule
throughout your classes, utilize the copy option when creating new
schedules. With schedules, you may override the default storage unit
and volume pool for the class in question. You specify within the
schedule what type of backup (full, cumulative, differential, user
backup, or user archive) as well as the retention period, frequency,
and whether or not to multiplex. Oh yeah, you also specify the start
time and window for the backup schedule.
Q: How do I add a schedule?
A: Select the class you wish to work on, then select the schedule
tab/button. Select New, and either copy the schedule from an existing
class or give it a name and select okay. At that point you will have
to specify whether or not you wish to override the default storage
unit or volume pool. You will need to specify what type of this
schedule is for as well as the retention period, frequency, and
whether or not to multiplex with this schedule. Finally, you should
specify what days of the week you wish to do backups, specifying the
start time and the duration of the backup window for starting backup
jobs in the class.
Q: How do I modify a schedule?
A: Select the schedule button for the class in question and then
select the schedule desired and select modify. Make changes to the
characteristics desired.
Q: How do I delete a schedule?
A: Select the schedule button for the class in question and then
select the schedule desired and select delete.
Q: How do I add a client?
A: You add clients to a class. Using xbpadm, select the class you wish
to add the client to, and right click and select Change Class. Within
the class dialog box, select the clients button, and select New. You
will need to specify the type of hardware and OS that the client is as
well as the name of the client. You may add multiple clients of the
same hardware and OS at a time. You may also install the client
software by selecting the button as long as rsh is enabled from the
NetBackup server to the NetBackup client. If it is not, then you will
need to use an alternate method such as by the command
/usr/openv/netbackup/bin/install_client_files ftp <clientname>
<username>.
Q: How do I delete a client?
A: Using xbpadm, select the class you wish to delete the client from,
and right click and select Change Class. Within the class dialog box,
select the clients button. Select the clients you wish to delete and
select Delete.
References
1. http://www.backupcentral.com/netbackup-faq.html
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NetBackup FAQ - v0.20 - Location of Files
[1]Return to the FAQ's Table of Contents
Q: What directory structure does NetBackup and Media Manager use?
A: NetBackup is located under /usr/openv/netbackup. Media Manager is
located under /usr/openv/volmgr.
References
1. http://www.backupcentral.com/netbackup-faq.html
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NetBackup FAQ - v0.20 - User Backups and Restores
[1]Return to the FAQ's Table of Contents
Q: How do I do a basic user initiated backup?
A: Start the xbp user interface. Go to File | Configuration and
verify/set your server and client. Go to File | Browse file system
(backup or archive). Set the "Directory to Search" to be the base
directory of what you are interested in backing up to media. Set an
appropriate "Directory Depth" so that you can see the directory tree
you are interested in. Select the files and directories that you want
to backup. Select Backup | Backup Selected Files and Directories.
Verify the files and directories you are going to backup. Select a
phrase or mnemonic that will identify the backup when you wish to find
it later. Select a location for writing the progress log. Select OK,
and the backup will be initiated. You may check progress of the log
file by using "tail f" or by using the GUI.
Q: How do I do a basic user initiated archive?
A: Start the xbp user interface. Go to File | Configuration and
verify/set your server and client. Go to File | Browse file system
(backup or archive). Set the "Directory to Search" to be the base
directory of what you are interested in archiving to media. Set an
appropriate "Directory Depth" so that you can see the directory tree
you are interested in. Select the files and directories that you want
to archive. Select Backup | Archive Selected Files and Directories.
Verify the files and directories you are going to archive. Select a
phrase or mnemonic that will identify the archive if you wish to find
it later. Select a location for writing the progress log. Select OK,
and the archive will be initiated. You may check progress of the log
file by using "tail f" or by using the GUI. Your archived files will
be deleted from disk as they are written to media.
Q: How do I do a basic user initiated restore from a backup?
A: Start the xbp user interface. Go to File | Configuration and
verify/set your server and client. Go to File | Browse backups
(restore). Set the "Directory to Search" to be the base directory of
what you are interested in archiving to media. Set the date & time
range you are interested in browsing. Specify the phrase or mnemonic
used for the backup you are interested in restoring from. Set an
appropriate "Directory Depth" so that you can see the directory tree
you are interested in. If multiple copies of the files appear, select
the backup image that you are interested in. Select the files and
directories that you want to restore. If you wish to restore to an
alternate path, select Restore | Specify Alternate Path and enter the
alternate restore location. Select Restore | Restore Search Directory
to restore. Verify the files and directories you are going to restore.
Determine whether you want to overwrite existing files and/or restore
to an alternate path. Select a location for writing the progress log.
Select OK, and the restore will be initiated. You may check progress
of the log file by using "tail f" or by using the GUI.
Q: How can I get a list of my backups and archives?
A: Use the bplist(1M) command. See the man page for details
References
1. http://www.backupcentral.com/netbackup-faq.html
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NetBackup FAQ - v0.20 - Versioning
[1]Return to the FAQ's Table of Contents
Q: What version(s) of NetBackup server am I running?
A: Examine the file /usr/openv/netbackup/version for version and
release date information.
Q: What version(s) of NetBackup client am I running?
A: Examine the file /usr/openv/netbackup/bin/version for client
versioning information.
Q: What patches have been installed for NetBackup?
A: For the server(s), examine /usr/openv/patch/patch.history file for
UNIX systems. Examine the <drive>:\veritas\patch\History.Log file for
NT systems. For the clients, examine the
/usr/openv/netbackup/bin/version file for the latest patch.
Q: What version of Media Manager am I running?
A: Examine the file /usr/openv/volmgr/version.
Q: How can I tell what the firmware level of my tape drive is?
A: On Solars, you can run the command "/usr/openv/volmgr/bin/sgscan
v". The last column of output will be the firmware level.
References
1. http://www.backupcentral.com/netbackup-faq.html
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NetBackup FAQ - v0.20 - Licensing
[1]Return to the FAQ's Table of Contents
Q: Is NetBackup licensed?
A: Version 3.4 has introduced licensing, although they are not tied to
the host ID. Previous versions rely solely on legal protection of the
software.
Q: How do I get my licenses?
A: Your licenses should be included in the media & documentation kit
you obtain when you purchase the product. If you have difficulties you
may call 650.318.4265 or email [2]mailto://license AT veritas DOT com.
Q: What type of licenses are there?
A: The licenses distinguish between evaluation, Not for Resale (NFR),
and permanent. They also distinguish whether you have purchased
NetBackup BusinessCenter or DataCenter version, whether the license is
for NT or UNIX, and whether it is for the server, client, or is an add
on module such as Oracle or NDMP.
Q: How does upgrading work?
A: When upgrading to 3.4, from 3.1.1 or 3.2 be sure that you are
purchasing NetBackup DataCenter. NetBackup BusinessCenter is derived
from the version 3.3 workgroup software. Also make sure that you
purchase all the clients and modules that you are using. Licenses are
not currently node-locked, but you must have a license for each
extension product that you plan to use. If you have the server
license key, but do not have a license key for Oracle, for example,
you will not be able to run Oracle backups with RMAN.
References
1. http://www.backupcentral.com/netbackup-faq.html
2. mailto://license AT veritas DOT com/
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NetBackup FAQ - v0.20 - Terminology
[1]Return to the FAQ's Table of Contents
Q: What is the difference between a backup and an archive?
A: When a backup is made, a copy of the file is written to media. When
an archive is made, a copy of the file is written to media and then
the original file is deleted.
Q: What is the difference between a backup and a "True Image" backup?
A: A regular backup can backup and restore individual files. A "True
Image" backup is a snapshot of files done at the directory level at a
certain point in time. Additionally, when a "True Image" backup is
restored, the directory restored will be brought to the same state as
when it was backed up. Any files or sub-directories that did not exist
at the time of backup will be deleted when the restore occurs if it is
restored to the same location.
Q: What is the difference between multiplexing and multistreaming?
A: Multiplexing sends data from multiple sources to a single tape or
disk device. This is useful if you have a tape or disk device that
writes faster than a single system can send data. Multistreaming
establishes multiple connections, or threads, from a single system to
the backup server. This is useful if you have a large system with
multiple I/O devices and large amounts of data that need backing up.
Q: What is the difference between a cumulative incremental backup and
a differential incremental backup?
A: A cumulative incremental backup is the backup of all files that
have changed since the last full backup. A differential incremental
backup is the backup of all files that have changed since the last
backup. Respectively, they are equivalent to a level 1 and level 9
dump.
Q: What is busy file processing?
A: Busy file processing is a series of configurations and actions set
in the bp.conf file that can be executed when a file that cannot be
read (read-locked) is encountered.
References
1. http://www.backupcentral.com/netbackup-faq.html
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NetBackup FAQ - v0.20 - Education
[1]Return to the FAQ's Table of Contents
Q: How can I learn more about Veritas NetBackup?
A: Read the manuals provided with the software purchased. There are
.pdf manuals for every product you purchased included on the product
CDs in addition to the hard copies you should have received.
Q: Where can I go for training on Veritas NetBackup?
A: Visit [2]http://www.veritas.com/us/services/education/ for the
latest course offerings from Veritas.
Q: Are there any good books on backup and recovery?
A: Unix Backup & Recovery, written by W. Curtis Preston, published by
OReilly & Associates, ISBN 1-56592-642-0 is recommended. Windows NT
Backup & Restore, written by Jody Leber and Robert Denn, published by
OReilly & Associates, ISBN 1-56592-272-7 is also recommended. Other
books about storage and backups can be found at [3]Backup Central.
References
1. http://www.backupcentral.com/netbackup-faq.html
2. http://www.veritas.com/us/services/education/
3. http://www.backupcentral.com/toc-storage-books.html
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NetBackup FAQ - v0.20 - Configuration
[1]Return to the FAQ's Table of Contents
Q: What is NetBackups main configuration file?
A: On both the server and the client, /usr/openv/netbackup/bp.conf is
the primary configuration file for NetBackup. Each system user can
have his own $HOME/bp.conf file as well.
Q: Why is there a bp.conf file on both the server and the client?
A: Some options are universally applicable, and belong on the server.
Some are client specific and therefore only are appropriate on the
client. Some options can be used on either the server or client, but
have different connotations.
Q: What are some of the more common configuration options for bp.conf
and what are they used for (version 3.2)?
* ALLOW_MEDIA_OVERWRITE should be used on the server if you wish to
overwrite previously used non-NetBackup media without prompting.
* ALLOW_MULTIPLE_RETENTIONS_PER_MEDIA should be used if you have a
limited supply of media and a large number of retention periods.
* ALLOW_NON_RESERVED_PORTS will allow ports 1025 through 5000 to be
used for data streams instead of 512 through 1024.
* Use BPBACKUP_CLASS to set the default class used for client
initiated backups.
* Use BPBACKUP_SCHED to set the default schedule used for client
initiated backups.
* Use BPEND_TIMEOUT to increase the amount of time bpend scripts
have to finish (dont forget CLIENT_READ_TIMEOUT must be greater
than or equal to BPEND_TIMEOUT).
* Use BPSTART_TIMEOUT to increase the amount of time bpstart scripts
have to finish (dont forget CLIENT_READ_TIMEOUT must be greater
than or equal to BPSTART_TIMEOUT).
* Use BUSY_FILE_ACTION to send email notification, try again, or
ignore files that cannot be accessed.
* BUSY_FILE_DIRECTORY sets the working temp directory when using
busy file processing.
* BUSY_FILE_NOTIFY_USER tells NetBackup whom to notify when busy
file email is sent.
* BUSY_FILE_PROCESSING turns on busy file processing.
* CLIENT_NAME specifies the exact name that the client is known as
to the NetBackup server(s) it is served by.
* Use CLIENT_READ_TIMEOUT to give bpstart and bpend scripts enough
time to finish.
* Use DISALLOW_CLIENT_LIST_RESTORE to prevent clients from listing
and restoring files backed up on their systems.
* Use DISALLOW_CLIENT_RESTORE to prevent clients from restoring
files backed up on their systems.
* Use DISALLOW_SERVER_FILE_WRITES to prevent server initiated
restores or server initiated updates to bp.conf.
* DO_NOT_RESET_FILE_ACCESS_TIME can be used if you do not care about
atime but do not want your ctime messed with.
* INITIAL_BROWSE_SEARCH_LIMIT is used to set the default number of
days that NetBackup will search to find files for restore.
* Use KEEP_LOGS_DAYS to specify the number of days to keep client
logs.
* Use LIMIT_BANDWIDTH to throttle network saturation to a specified
number of KB per client.
* Use LOCKED_FILE_ACTION to skip files that have mandatory locking.
* Use REQUIRED_INTERFACE to override the operating systems choice of
network interface for server to client communications.
* Use SERVER to specify the NetBackup server(s) the client should
use.
* Use the VERBOSE option to log additional information in NetBackups
logs.
* USEMAIL will specify the user to notify for NetBackup events.
* USE_CTIME_FOR_INCREMENTALS will cause NetBackup to check both the
ctime and the mtime when determining which files should be backed
up for incrementals. You MUST also enable
DO_NOT_RESET_FILE_ACCESS_TIME when using this option.
Q: How can I receive email notification from NetBackup?
A: Specify an email address in the Global attributes to receive
notifications for scheduled backups, administrator initiated backups,
or NetBackup index database backups. Set the USEMAIL option in the
bp.conf file on client systems for user initiated backups.
Q: How do I set the maximum number of client connections per client?
A: Specify the maximum number of client connections per client in the
Global attributes.
Q: How do I set the maximum number of streams for multiplexing?
A: You must set multiplexing for both the storage unit as well as the
schedule. The storage unit can have between 1 and 32 streams per
drive. When adding a storage unit specify whether or not multiplexing
will occur, and set a value from 2 to 32 for each drive if using it.
You also need to specify the number of streams allowed per drive for
each schedule for which you wish to use MPX.
Q: What is Media Managers main configuration file?
A: /usr/openv/volmgr/vm.conf is the primary configuration file for
Media Manager.
Q: How do I exclude files and directories from a backup?
A: Create an exclude_list on the client. You may exclude globally, or
by class and/or schedule.
/usr/openv/netbackup/exclude_list[.<classname>[.<schedulename>]]
should list the files, directories, or partitions you want to exclude.
You may use wildcards.
Q: What files and directories should I exclude from a backup?
A: On UNIX systems, you should exclude /proc, which is your systems
memory represented as a filesystem. You may also want to exclude files
such as core files, the cdrom partition, and the /tmp partition. On
the NetBackup server, you should exclude /usr/openv/netbackup/db/ and
/usr/openv/netbackup/logs/ directories. On media servers (servers
connected to backup devices), you should also exclude
/usr/openv/volmgr/database. This is because the volmgr/database
directory and the netbackup/db directory should be backed up using
either the command line option bpbackupdb or via the xbpadm GUI. The
/usr/openv/netbackup/logs/ directory can grow at an enormous rate if
bpdbm is logging.
Q: How do I properly backup my Oracle / Sybase / Informix / NetApp /
etc.?
A: To properly backup these systems, you should use the appropriate
module interface for Netbackup. i.e. NetBackup for Oracle or NetBackup
for NDMP (NetApp).
Q: How do I get <some script> to run before a backup job starts?
A: Use the bpstart_notify and bpend_notify scripts found in
/usr/openv/netbackup/bin/goodies. Copy them into the
/usr/openv/netbackup/bin directory, and add the commands you want to
run in the appropriate places in the script. You may customize the
scripts to the class and schedule level by naming them
bpstart_<start|end>[.<classname>[.<schedulename>]] if you desire. In
3.2 and 3.4, there is a problem with bpstart_notify and bpend_notify
being used with multistreaming. It causes the bpstart/bpend script to
run once for each filesystem. Collective Technologies has developed a
work around for this problem. If you'd like a copy, send an email to
[2]Curtis.
References
1. http://www.backupcentral.com/netbackup-faq.html
2. mailto:curtis AT backupcentral DOT com
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NetBackup FAQ - v0.20 - Runtime
[1]Return to the FAQ's Table of Contents
Q: How can I tell what processes are running under NetBackup?
A: use the command /usr/openv/netbackup/bin/bpps -a.
Q: How can I tell what processes are running under Media Manager?
A: Use the command /usr/openv/netbackup/bin/vmps -a command.
/usr/openv/netbackup/bin/bpps -a will also work.
Q: How can I check the status of my tapes?
A: Run the command /usr/openv/netbackup/bin/goodies/available_media.
This will give a fairly comprehensive report of you tape status. You
may also check xvmadm for additional information.
References
1. http://www.backupcentral.com/netbackup-faq.html
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NetBackup FAQ - v0.20 - Integrity
[1]Return to the FAQ's Table of Contents
Q: How often should I backup my indexes if I decide to use bpbackupdb?
A: Ideally, you should back up the database indexes once every day
that the system is being actively monitored by the NetBackup
administrator. If you choose to back up after every job, you will
end up thrashing your drives. Also, because only two alternating
copies of the indexes are kept on tape by default, you will end up
corrupting your index tape backups quickly if your online disk
index does get corrupted. Backing up less often than once a day
will result in the need to rebuild indexes off of tape for the
most recent backups should a restore be needed and the online
index should become corrupted.
Q: Should I make duplicates?
A: If you have the resources (drives, media, and time), you should
make duplicate tapes with the read verify feature enabled. If you
are developing a Disaster Recovery Business Continuity Plan, you
probably should be doing duplicates. You will need to extend the
expiration date of the tapes sent off-site so that the indexes
expire shortly after they are rotated back into the library.
Q: How can I do tape duplication and off-site rotation with NetBackup?
A: You can either purchase the BPVault option or write a procedure and
scripts to do this. (My opinion, FWIW, is that bpvault, although
not perfect, is worth the price you pay for it. Your own scripts
will take years to reach the level of flexibility and granularity
that bpvault has -- Curtis.)
Q: What is a good generic backup schedule?
A: A good backup schedule would be to do full backups every four
weeks, cumulative incremental backups once a week, and
differential incremental backups daily. Appropriate retention
periods would be a year, 3 months, and one month respectively.
Q: When should I do my full and cumulative incremental backups?
A: You should spread out your full and cumulative incremental backups
over the entire week to spread the load on your server(s) and
network. It is not necessary to do all of your full backups on the
same day, or to do your cumulative incremental backups on Friday.
This just causes unnecessary system loading.
Q: How long should I keep tape archives?
A: This will vary based upon legal requirements, however, two years is
a good general rule. Some data will require infinite retention
periods, and the NetBackup administrator will need to size his
index partition appropriately to deal with this situation.
Q: Can I backup a live database with NetBackup?
A: Yes and No. If you have the proper database option installed and
configured, you can backup live databases. There is a [2]script
available for download from Backup Central that will allow you to
perform hot backups of Oracle without the Oracle extension for
NetBackup. While it does not offer all the functionality provided
by RMAN, it is a lot simpler to use, and a whole lot cheaper -
free. If you've got DBAs that can understand RMAN, and can afford
the database extension for Oracle, RMAN is probably your best
choice. (There are similar scripts for [3]Informix and
[4]Sybase.) If you don't have such a script, you must shutdown the
database for the duration of the backup. Not doing so will result
in corruption of the database and render your backup useless.
Q: How often should I send tapes off-site?
A: This depends upon why you are sending your tapes off-site. It also
depends upon how time-sensitive your data is to both data loss and
down time. This question really is out of the scope of this
document.
References
1. http://www.backupcentral.com/netbackup-faq.html
2. http://www.backupcentral.com/oraback.html
3. http://www.backupcentral.com/infback.html
4. http://www.backupcentral.com/syback.html
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NetBackup FAQ - v0.20 - Logging
[1]Return to the FAQ's Table of Contents
Q: How do I get additional logging to occur?
A: For verbose logging use the VERBOSE = n option in bp.conf, where n
is a number specifying how verbose you want the logs to be.
Q: Where does NetBackup log?
A: NetBackup places general information logs in the
/usr/openv/netbackup/logs/admin/ directory.
Q: Where does NetBackup place logs for user initiated activity?
A: For user initiated archives, backups, and restores, logs are kept
under /usr/openv/netbackup/logs/user_ops/<username>/jobs and
/usr/openv/netbackup/logs/user_ops/<username>/logs. Activity logs for
NT are kept under
<install_path>\VERITAS\NetBackup\logs\bpkar\yymmdd.log. Win95/98
activity logs are kept under
<install_path>\VERITAS\NetBackup\logs\bpcd\yymmdd.log.
Q: Where can I find tape drive errors?
A: Media (tape) errors will be shown under
/usr/openv/netbackup/db/media/errors.
Q: Where do the processes log information?
A: Processes can be forced to write debug logs by creating a log
directory for each process under /usr/openv/netbackup/logs/<process>/.
Logs that can be created include (m stands for master server, s stands
for slave/media server, c stands for client) -
Directory
Name
Master(M)
Slave (S)
Client(c)
admin
m--
administrative commands (required directory)
backint
--c
Netbackup for SAP
bp
--c
client character based interface for Unix and NetWare target
bparchive
--c
archive activity
bpbackup
--c
backup activity
bpbkar
--c
user and server directed backups (NT only)
bpbrm
ms-
backup and restore manager
bpcd
msc
client daemon
bpdbjobs
m--
jobs database manager
bpdb2
--c
process log for NetBackup for DB2
bpdbm
m--
NetBackup database manager (see below Important)
bpdm
ms-
disk manager
bphdb
--c
hot database backup for DB2, Informix, Oracle, SAP & Sybase
bpinetd
--c
client service information (NT only)
bpjava-msvc
m-c
java interface authentication
bpjava-usvc
m-c
java interface
bplist
--c
listing of archives and backups
bpmount
--c
collects client drive names for multistreaming
bprd
m-c
request daemon
bprestore
--c
restore activity
bpsched
m--
backup scheduler
bpsrv
--c
service utility (NetWare Non-Target only)
bptm
ms-
tape manager
dbclient
--c
3.2+ NetBackup for Oracle
inetd
--c
information on NetBackupListen process (Mac only)
infxbsa
--c
process log for NetBackup for Informix
nbnwwin
--c
client interface (NetWare Non-Target only)
nbwin
--c
user operations information (Windows only)
obackup_tape
--c
pre-3.2 NetBackup for Oracle
sybackup
--c
process log for NetBackup for Sybase
tar
--c
user and server directed restores (NT only)
user_ops
m-c
temp files, job, and progress logs (required directory)
xbpadm
m--
X Windows administration GUI log
xbpmon
m--
job monitor
Note: When you create the bpdbm logging directory, you must keep in
mind simply deleting this directory will not stop logging. The
directory will be recreated and logging will continue. To turn off
bpdbm loggin, follow these directions -
Stop "bprd" and "bpdbm" processes:
/usr/openv/netbackup/bin/admincmd/bprdreq -terminate
/usr/openv/netbackup/bin/bpdbm -terminate
Remove the bpdbm log directory:
rm -rf /usr/openv/netbackup/logs/bpdbm
Restart the processes:
/usr/openv/netbackup/bin/initbprd Q: Where does Media Manager place
its log files?
A: Verbose daemon logging can be initiated by using the v flag when
starting a daemon. This will log additional information to the system
log (/var/adm/messages and/or /usr/log/syslog). Some daemons can be
forced to write debug logs by creating a log directory for each daemon
under /usr/openv/volmgr/debug/.
Directory Purpose
daemon for the vmd daemon
volreq for the process making vmd requests
xvmadm for xvmadm
acsssi for ACS robot types
Q: How much space do I need for logging purposes?
A: if you are doing verbose or debug logging a lot. Do not do verbose
or debug logging unless needed.
References
1. http://www.backupcentral.com/netbackup-faq.html
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DIFFERENCES
If you're interested in the differences between this version of the
faq, and the last version that was mailed out, here is a diff:
137,144c137,144
< questions and answers that comprise this FAQ. Most questions and
< answers are submitted by other members of the list. Special thanks go
< to the members of the [4]Collective Technologies Backup and Recovery
< Practice. All questions and answers not specifically credited to a
< particular person were submitted by them, and they created the first
< version of this FAQ ex nihilo. (We will be happy to give special
< credit in the section of the FAQ for any person or group that submits
< a large number of questions and answers to this FAQ.)
---
> questions and answers that comprise this FAQ. However, most questions
> and answers are submitted by other members of the list. Special thanks
> go to the members of the [4]Collective Technologies Backup and
> Recovery Practice. All questions and answers not specifically
> credited to a particular person were submitted by them, and they
> created the first version of this FAQ ex nihilo. (We will be happy to
> give special credit in the section of the FAQ for any person or group
> that submits a large number of questions and answers to this FAQ.)
782c782
< establishes multiple connections or threads from a single system to
---
> establishes multiple connections, or threads, from a single system to
|