Forum Discussion

Level 4

15 years ago

New Installation Help

Hello everyone,

First, please let me say that I am NOT an expert with this stuff. So I bring it to you, the BE gurus! Several years ago, at my previous job, I took over as the "backup administrator" when we had a previously built system (BackUp Exec DataCenter Edition, I believe v.10-something)...

Anyway, it's been a looong time since those day (about 4 years).

I am now the technology manager of an education fund that has NEVER had a backup system. Hell, they never had a real infrastructure... Grrrrrr.... Well, they do now! Here is what I have built...

Domain Controller - Active Directory on Server 2008 R2 x64
E-Mail - Exchange 2010 on Server 2008 R2 x64
Two file servers (one is Server 2008 R2 x64 and the other is Server 2003 32-bit)
Application Server - Running a few school-specific apps. Will eventually run SQL Server 2008 Standard , but for right now simply has a "Lite" version of SQL 2005 installed by the app that needs it. I know almost nothing about SQL... Running on Server 2003 32-bit.
A ForeFront TMG Enterprise 2010 Server on Server 2008 R2 x64
ReadAbout - A "server (basically just a really powerful PC) that runs ONE app called "ReadAbout". It's a self-contained app requiring no database or anything. So my guess is that it will need to be backed up like a file server... Running Server 2003.
A Server 2003 32-bit print server
A Server 2003 32-bit "Anti-Virus" server (Trend Micro WFBS 6)
A Server 2003 32-bit "Support" server running WSUS
My "backup" server, which is running Server 2008 R2 x64. Attached is a StorageTek L20 tape library with two IBM LTO2 drives.

I have purchased Backup Exec 2010 R2 "Not For Resale" Edition from TechSoup. Apparently, this is somewhat different than a traditionally-purchased product. Here are the details if you're interested. From that page, one thing strikes me as particularly beneficial:

Agents and options extend platform and feature support for Backup Exec environments. An unlimited number of these agents can be used within a network, allowing for multiple instances of agents to protect several servers. Click the following link for a list of all Backup Exec agents and options. The version of Backup Exec available through TechSoup includes all of the available agents and options.

OK, so here goes...

I have downloaded the horrifyingly-gargantuan Admin Guide for BE 2010. I have started perusing it. While doing that, I wonder if I could ask a few questions. I have NOT installed BE 2010 yet, but I have put it in to look at options. ;-)

1. On this backup server, I'm somewhat concerned about the connected tape library I mentioned above. In Device Manager, it shows up simply as "Unknown Medium Changer". I don't see the drives specifically being referenced, just this. Huh? The tape library and drives were donated to me from my previous employer and are several years old (probably 5). I find it hard to believe that Server 2008 R2 doesn't know what these things are... Will this cause problems?

2. I can't think of any reason to back up the following aforementioned servers:

Print Server
Anti-Virus Server
Support Server
TMG Server
The backup server itself

Can you? There's no data that I can think of that's on them to back up...

3. Assuming that's correct, that leaves backing up the DC, Mail, 3 file servers (factoring in ReadAbout), and the Application server. Correct? Then, what do I need to install on them? Just RAWS? Anything else? Do I want Advanced Open File Option installed on all these remote machines, just some of them, or none of them?

So when I go to install BE 2010 (I've run the pre-installation checklist and it comes back good), what options do I want? It seems as though I need:

All the defaults, plus...
Advanced Open File Option (don't know what this is, but I think I want it. Do I?)
Microsoft Exchange Mailbox Archiving
Active Directory Recovery Agent
Agent for Microsoft Exchange Server
Agent for Microsoft SQL Server

Based on what I mentioned above, do I need anything else? Am I missing anything? And do I really need the Exchange Archiving above and beyond the Exchange Agent? Space on the Exchange Server (mailbox store) is not an issue, so what does the Archiving really give me?

4. "Enable Robotic Library Support" is checked by default, but grayed out. In addition, "Virtual Tape Library Support" is also checked by default, but I can clear that if I choose. What concerns me is that the "Feature Description" of Robotic Library Support says, "Support for one drive in every robotic library is included with Backup Exec. Each additional drive in a library requires a Library Expansion Option license." Well, my library has two drives. So does this mean only one would work? And if so, how can I get a hold of one of these LEOs, because according to TechSoup, I should have all that as part of this purchase.

5. The Backup Exec Continuous Protection Server... What's the deal with this? When I click to "test" install, the License Key I have for Backup Exec does not fit into the fields. But... It does fit if I make an "A" an "a"... Then it tells me that it's "Accepted", but there is still a link to purchase it. So is this a valid key or not? Confused... And do I need this? What's it really do?

Whew... I think that's it for now. I apologize for the long-winded post, but I wanted to be as detailed as possible. I'm sure a great deal of my questions are quite foolish, but please chalk it up to me being a n00b. Forgive me, for I know not what I do... ;-)

Thanks in advance for any help!

Chris

AmolB
Moderator
15 years ago

Hi Chris

Lengthy forum thread but I will give a try to answer most of your queries.

1) The autoloader will appear as "Unknown Medium Changer" if its configured to use

   Microsoft drivers(recommended). Before installing Backup Exec check the compatibility

   list and make sure the device is listed in the supported hardware list. Backup Exec core

   product license supports 1 tape drive per library for every additional tape drive a

   LEO(Library Expansion Option) is required. Since you have "Not For Resale" then



   you don't need anything else, everything is included in the same license key.

   BE2010 Hardware Compatibility List http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH137050

2) Out of the 5 server I strongly feel you should backup the "Backup Server". Regarding

   other servers you should think about backing up C drive, System State & Shadow Copy

   Components,if there is disaster recovery situation then the above backup will come

   handy to rebuild server.

3) In order to backup any Windows server you will have to install "Remote Agent for

   Windows" on the remote server.Also activate Remote Agent for Exchange, Active

   Directory Recovery Agent and Remote agent for SQL option in the BE console click on

   Tools-> Install Options and license key. About AOFO its required for Windows 2000

   servers to backup open files. Win 2003 onwards there is VSS from Microsoft which

   helps to take backup of open files.

4) I have already answered your question about the additional drive in point#1

5) Continuous Protection server comes along with the "Remote Agent" license which

   allows you to take continuous backup of the Exchange server. Its not integrated with

   BE console.



I am note sure if you will require the Mailbox Archiving option, below is the description of

the same.

Lets you archive Microsoft Exchange Server emails that have been backed up.

After data is archived, it is deleted from its source location, which reduces the amount of data on the Exchange Server.

The Archiving Option uses Enterprise Vault technology to move archive data to disk-based vault stores. Only data that is already backed up is archived so that there is little affect on the Exchange server. End users can retrieve current and previous versions of files by browsing a web interface called Backup Exec Retrieve)
WorldBuilder
Level 4
15 years ago
Hi Amol,

Thanks for the info! I'm going to start giving it a go on Monday. Have a good weekend!

Chris
WorldBuilder
Level 4
15 years ago
Hi again, Amol.

OK, I have gotten BE 2010 R2 loaded with all the bells & whistles I believe I need. Thanks! Still one issue, and that's the driver for the StorageTek L20 and drives.

In Windows Server 2008 R2, I still only see "Unknown Medium Changer" and no drives listed separately. If I go into the Devices Pool in BE 2010, I see "STK 0001" with two "Unknown Devices".

Grrrrrrrrrrr.....

Now, I have gotten NOWHERE with SUN/Oracle. Apparently, you cannot download a driver for this thing without a "maintenance contract". But why should I buy a maintenance contract until I know for sure that this thing works? If it doesn't (though I think it works fine), I'd rather go get something newer and properly supported!

Is there anyone who could tell me where to get a driver for a StorageTek L20 Tape Library for Server 2008 R2 x64, please?

Thanks!

Chris
pkh
Moderator
15 years ago
If you have a tape library, your library should be listed under the Device Manager as Unknown Medium Changer with a Microsoft driver. The tape drive(s) in the library should be listed seperately under Tape Devices as its actual name, e.g. HP Ultrium 4.

If Windows cannot recognise the tape device then BE will not be able use it.

You can try to install the Symantec drivers for the tape drive by using the tapeinst.exe program in the BE installation directory.
WorldBuilder
Level 4
15 years ago
Hi pkh,

I agree. The first problem I have is that I don't know what exact drives are IN the library. I know they're IBM LTO2 drives, but that's about it. I opened up the back of the L20 to try to get a closer look to no avail. :-( And the admin page I linked to above gives me little info as far as what exactly they are.

So...

A.) How can I install a driver for the drives when I don't know exactly what they are? And...

B.) Even if I could find that out and download the correct driver, how can I install them if Device Manager doesn't even see them?

Thanks!

Chris
WorldBuilder
Level 4
15 years ago
Hi guys,

I just noticed something else as well. Boatloads of errors in the System Log in Windows. Happens every time I reboot the server. Have a look. I'll be damned if I know what it all means or how to fix it. But it all certainly seems to indicate a problem related to all this...

Sorry, it's pretty long...

Level   Date and Time   Source   Event ID   Task Category

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:26 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The Stek9714 service failed to start due to the following error:
The system cannot find the device specified.

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:23 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The vsmraid service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:23 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The vhdmp service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:23 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The stexstor service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:23 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The SiSRaid4 service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:23 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The SiSRaid2 service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:23 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The ql40xx service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:23 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The ql2300 service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:23 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The nvstor service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:23 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The nfrd960 service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:22 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The msahci service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:22 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The MegaSR service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:22 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The megasas service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:22 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The LSI_SCSI service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:22 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The LSI_SAS2 service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:22 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The LSI_SAS service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:22 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The LSI_FC service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:22 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The iirsp service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:22 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The iaStorV service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:22 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The elxstor service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:22 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The arcsas service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:22 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The arc service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:22 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The amdsbs service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:22 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The amdsata service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:22 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The adpu320 service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:22 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The adpahci service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."

Error   11/2/2010 10:53:22 AM   Service Control Manager   7000   None   "The adp94xx service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it."
CraigV
Moderator
15 years ago
...I deleted the post. This isn't a lesson in English and grammar!

@WorldBuilder: Those look like hardware issues to me, and I would suggest updating the firmware and drivers on those devices first. Reboot, and check if they are gone.

what make of server is this?

Craig
WorldBuilder
Level 4
15 years ago
Hi Craig,

LOL! You might as well delete my "What?" post as well because now that makes no sense, either... Hahahaha.

OK, here's the deal as of today... I agree that those look like hardware errors, but I don't even know what device is in question. What I do know is that I have ALL the latest firmware and drivers for every device on this box (except the L20 and LTO2 drives).

Speaking of the box, it is an HP DL380 G4 running Server 2008 R2 x64.

Now, here's what's going on with the whole "StorageTek/SUN/Oracle" deal... According to everything I have read or been told over the last week, drivers for the StorageTek L20 are NOT available to the public. You can ONLY get them if you have a "maintenance contract" from the manufacturer. Well, the manufacturer is GONE, so Oracle is all that's left...

And they're not very forthcoming about helping. Bottom line is that I have basically been strong-armed into buying a 12-month maintenance agreement, which I am doing now. What I THINK will happen is that I will be allowed to download a Server 2008 x64 driver for the L20. Once installed, I expect the two IBM drives inside it to show up. Then I'll be able to install drivers for those.

That's the hope, anyway. I'll keep y'all posted.

It's a step in the right direction, but it is extremely annoying to be in such a position, especially when I got this damn thing (L20 and drives) for FREE from my previous employer! Free has gotten awfully expensive... :-(
CraigV
Moderator
15 years ago
Yeah...in South Africa, and in the Afrikaans language, they have a saying: goed koop is duur koop. Since I don't expect you to understand, it basically means cheaper is almost always nastier! So you got the hospital pass by getting the free hardware. :) I personally hate those, having had the same before...

From HP's side of things, you can look at downloading the latest PSP (ProLiant Support Pack), you can run a manual installation to update HP's drivers.

I found this list of drivers for Sun hardware...not sure if you have seen it? You might be able to download a driver for Server 2003 and install it to see if this clear things up a bit...

http://in.sun.com/download/index.jsp?cat=Hardware%20Drivers&tab=3&subcat=Storage

Laters!
WorldBuilder
Level 4
15 years ago
Hi again Craig,

Oh believe me, I get the "you get what you pay for" mantra. I knew I'd have to get a support contract. Hell, I'd WANT one simply because this is a high-speed mechanical device, and it's gonna have issues. I get that. But I never imagined I'd have to get it before I'm even allowed to download a simple driver.

That is just plain stupid...

As far as the PSP, I have it. Have for weeks. Like I said, I'm 100% certain that all the drivers are correct and the latest.

As far as that URL, it's actually kind of funny because I've had that as a loaded Firefox tab for the last two weeks. You're absolutely right, the 20th item listed is the driver I need. But I can't download it because I don't have a username and password with sufficient rights to download! That's one of the things I'll get as part of the maintenance agreement.

So now I'm just waiting for Oracle, in their infinite insanity, to give me that...