NTBackup stinks.

[rasczak]

No matter what I try I cannot get the the program to run a scheduled backup with a backup tape already containing backup data. I chose append to existing backup and still get nowhere. I haven't tried just replacing existing backup on the tape, but doesn't that defeat the purpose?

 

[Peter]

You are supposed to use multiple tapes in rotation, exactly so that you don't lose your only existing backup when overwriting today's tape.

 

[Scarpozzi]

I've only used NTBackup on my XP box at home. At work, we always used enterprise-level backup solutions. (legato, backup exec, Arcserv, etc)

I suggest checking your event logs to see what it's griping about. It could be as simple as the naming of your file. If it's trying to save the same filename, it might not 'overwrite' it.

When you say append, I don't know what that means exactly. I mean, if you're doing a full backup there's nothing to append. Each backup is going to be its own beast. If you're doing incremental or differential, you might be able to append them...

 

[Genx87]

I used NTBackup for too disk operations a few years ago. It actually worked pretty good. But I never used it for tapes.

 

[rasczak]

Originally posted by: Peter
You are supposed to use multiple tapes in rotation, exactly so that you don't lose your only existing backup when overwriting today's tape.

I am using multiple tapes. 1 backup tape per day m-f. it just never seems to want to fire off the scheduled backup job. I've had to do manual backups for the past week because of it.

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
I've only used NTBackup on my XP box at home. At work, we always used enterprise-level backup solutions. (legato, backup exec, Arcserv, etc)

I suggest checking your event logs to see what it's griping about. It could be as simple as the naming of your file. If it's trying to save the same filename, it might not 'overwrite' it.

When you say append, I don't know what that means exactly. I mean, if you're doing a full backup there's nothing to append. Each backup is going to be its own beast. If you're doing incremental or differential, you might be able to append them...

We have this software as well (the only one approved for our project) it's a total pain in the ass to figure out. If you ahve any suggestions i'd gladly take them.

 

[RebateMonger]

Search Microsoft's site for "Unmanaged" backups. (The /um parameter added to the NTBackup command.)

 

[mooseracing]

Yea look at the logs, get the message and google it. I went through a day or two of getting it to work on tapes, then switching to a network removable drive. NT Backup works great for me, built by Veritas, and is free. Right now though i just have it scheduled to backup Exchange to a network location, then Have Syamntec back that whole area up. I didn't want to spend the extra money for Symantec Plug in for exchange.

Forgot to add the log is in here for me, C:\Documents and Settings\admin\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows NT\NTBackup\data

 

[Scarpozzi]

Originally posted by: rasczak
We have this software as well (the only one approved for our project) it's a total pain in the ass to figure out. If you ahve any suggestions i'd gladly take them.

Another thing I always suggest with NTBackup....or any backup. Create a backup user. That way, you can give that user elevated rights to backup the system without having to use the Admin account. I create an account called backupop or something easy to remember... There should be a group security policy called backup administrators floating around in Windows you can use. When you schedule your backups, run them as that user....it will also help you identify what's going on in the logs because you'll be able to quickly scan to the lines with that account referenced.

 

[rasczak]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger
Search Microsoft's site for "Unmanaged" backups. (The /um parameter added to the NTBackup command.)

Thanks!!! I found the script i needed to get it to work.

:beer:

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi

Originally posted by: rasczak
We have this software as well (the only one approved for our project) it's a total pain in the ass to figure out. If you ahve any suggestions i'd gladly take them.

Another thing I always suggest with NTBackup....or any backup. Create a backup user. That way, you can give that user elevated rights to backup the system without having to use the Admin account. I create an account called backupop or something easy to remember... There should be a group security policy called backup administrators floating around in Windows you can use. When you schedule your backups, run them as that user....it will also help you identify what's going on in the logs because you'll be able to quickly scan to the lines with that account referenced.

i'd have to have that approved by our isso, and i needed to have this fixed about a week ago.