Backup Exec FAQ

There are at least three ways to backup Microsoft SQL Server - offline backups, online backups using the Backup Exec SQL agent, and online backups of SQL's own backups.

Last update : 18-06-2007 16:39

If you have a tape (or a .bkf file for that matter) and you want to know what's on the tape, you need the catalog of the tape. A catalog is a catalog (or index) of the media contents. When Backup Exec creates a backup it stores a copy of the catalog in the catalogs folder, and a copy on the media. The local copy is referred to when you prompt Backup Exec for a restore selection list, or use the Search Catalogs feature.

Last update : 29-04-2007 22:42

A common problem topic with Backup Exec 10 is Microsoft SQL 2005 compatability. There are two areas where databases come into contact with Backup Exec.

Last update : 14-05-2007 23:36

This has only been tested on ISA 2004 Standard Edition, with Backup Exec 10d.

In order to backup the ISA server we have to allow the Backup Exec media server to access it. The Backup Exec Remote Agent must also be installed manually on your ISA server.

Last update : 29-04-2007 22:44

If you're unlucky enough to be in a country affected by the changes to DST changes (still with me?), you need to apply a Hotfix to Backup Exec 11 to prevent possibly missing a job.

Last update : 29-04-2007 22:44

To perform a disaster recovery (restore from scratch) of a Windows XP, Windows 2000 or Windows Server 2003 computer, the relevant section of the Administrator's Guide is page 615 onwards for Backup Exec 10 and page 663 for Backup Exec 11.

This process is relevant for domain controllers, when you are doing an authoritative restore. This does not cover restoring the Backup Exec media server.

Last update : 29-04-2007 22:46

If you are restoring Active Directory data, you will generally be restoring it for one of two reasons:

• You are restoring an entire domain controller, and you need some Active Directory data for it to start up correctly
• You need to restore all or part of your Active Directory data to a prior state, such as if you've accidentally deleted an organisational unit

In the second case you need to perform an authoritative restore, in the first a non-authoritative restore is adequate. 

Last update : 20-11-2007 14:32

To perform a disaster recovery (restore from scratch) of a Windows XP, Windows 2000 or Windows Server 2003 computer, the relevant section of the Administrator's Guide is page 615 onwards.

This process is also relevant for domain controllers, unless you are doing an authoritative restore. This does not cover restoring the Backup Exec media server.

Last update : 30-04-2007 10:17

A common source of confusion is the upgrade from 10 to 10d. 10d is in reality just version 10.1. The "d" was added (probably by the Symantec Marketing Department) to signify the backup to disk capabilities, which were already present in 10.0.

The upgrade from 10 to 10d/10.1 is therefore free, and you can use your existing license keys.

The installation files for 10.1 can be found at http://seer.entsupport.symantec.com/docs/279332.htm  

Last update : 24-05-2007 08:55

Backup administrators are always looking for more performance. Even if your backup fits in to your backup window now, it might not in a years time when the company has grown. It's better to ensure your backups are as fast as possible before they become problematic.

Last update : 29-04-2007 22:37

Servers running DFS and Windows 2003 R2 experience very slow backups, and sometimes no backups at all.

Last update : 03-07-2007 10:03

There are two ways to backup Microsoft Exchange Server - offline backups and online backups.

Last update : 18-06-2007 16:39