How can I get back a backup image I just expired. The tape is in already in the library and has non-expired images of other backups.... I just need to pull back the backup image I expired which sits on that tape... how can I do that?? I have multiple images that need to be pulled back from a bunch of tapes.. please assist. TY

You can import expired images. Step-by-step instructions: Java Console: http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH72429 Windows Console: http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH43584 Phase 1 will scan entire tape and skip valid (unexpired) images. You can then select images to do phase 2 import.

HOW TO get back an expired backup image.

20 Replies

Will_Restore
Level 6
13 years ago
refer to the Admin Guide if you are not familiar with Importing backup images
Marianne
Level 6
13 years ago
You can import expired images.

Step-by-step instructions:

Java Console: http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH72429

Windows Console: http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH43584

Phase 1 will scan entire tape and skip valid (unexpired) images.

You can then select images to do phase 2 import.
ESM_Admin
Level 4
13 years ago
Hi Marrianne,

the link to Technote for Java is not working..i cant find that technote
ESM_Admin
Level 4
13 years ago
Secondly, this import of an exisiting tape in Netbackup will not affect other active images on that tape, correct?
revarooo
Level 6
13 years ago
ESM - no it reads the tape, it does not write to the tape. You then select which images you want to pull from that tape back into the catalog on the Master server.
J_H_Is_gone
Level 6
13 years ago
Write protect the tapes! in case the other images on the tape expire before you finishe the 2 steps of importing the images. If the tape goes completly expired and back to scratch - it could get picked and over written. You did no say you did that and just want to verify you protect the tapes until you get the imports done.
ESM_Admin
Level 4
13 years ago
will it be good enough to freeze the tapes...that would ensure the expired images on them dont get overwritten...right?
Marianne
Level 6
13 years ago
Expired images will only be overwritten when ALL images on tape have expired. NBU will NEVER overwrite expired image if there are still unexpired images on the tape.

This expiration date is the date when image on tape with longest retention will expire. Check this date with
'bpmedialist -m <media-id>'

Did you manage to get to the TN in the meantime?
There is a 'Known issue' with Symantec TNs that the links do not always work first time. A second attempt normally works.
You can also try this link: http://www.symantec.com/business/support/index?page=content&id=TECH72429
ESM_Admin
Level 4
13 years ago
got it.. so I am ok in that regard..i've got images that done expire till next year on those tapes.

I got the TN as well.

Q: Once the (expired) images are imported back into NBU catalog at the end of phase 2..what would be their retention marked as? or how soon will they expire? ..guessing I will need to change their retention level immidiately after they are imported back?
Marianne
Level 6
13 years ago
Expiration date on imported images will depend on original retention level.
So, if retention level is 0 (1 week), new retention will be 1 week from import date/time.

You will be able to change image expiration to new date with:
bpexpdate -backupid <backup id> -d <mm/dd/yyyy>