Netbackup Catalog Backup
Hi All,
I would like to know what a catalog backup is all about. I've read that a catalog backup is usually configured after every backup session. When a catalog backup runs, what is it that gets...
The Catalog backs up the NBU config and the data relating to where the backups are stored.
From the Admin guide (page 741)
http://www.symantec.com/docs/DOC3650
About NetBackup catalogsNetBackup catalogs are the internal databases that contain information aboutNetBackup backups and configuration. Backup information includes records ofthe files that have been backed up and the media on which the files are stored.The catalogs also contain information about the media and the storage devices.Since NetBackup needs the catalog information so that it can restore clientbackups, configure a catalog backup before using NetBackup for regular clientbackups. Schedule the catalog backups to occur on a regular basis. Without regularcatalog backups, you risk losing regular backups if there is a problem with thedisk that contains the catalogs.The catalog consists of the following parts:■ The image database.The image database contains information about the data that has been backedup. It is the largest part of the catalog.See “About the NetBackup image database” on page 743.■ NetBackup data that is stored in relational database files.The data includes media and volume data describing media usage and volumeinformation, which is used during the backups.See “About the NetBackup relational database” on page 745.■ NetBackup configuration files.The configuration files (databases.conf and server.conf) are flat files thatcontain instructions for the SQL Anywhere daemon.See “About the NetBackup server.conf file” on page 774.See “About the databases.conf file” on page 775Very important.In the policy for the catalog, you configure a location to store te 'DR' file / email the DR file. This is important as it is needed for recovery if you have to run a catalog restore. The file just contains the information NBU needs to run a catalog restore, which tape, location of data on tape etc ...In reality a catalog backup is nothing special, is is just a regular backup, but, it is the most important backup in your environment.The troubleshooting guide contains information on how to perform a Catalog restore.Martin
