Forum Discussion

support2015's avatar
support2015
Level 4
3 years ago

Taking Backup of Client/Media server 8.3 with Net backup master server 7.6

Hi everyone, We have a big backup environment with a 7.6 solaris10 master server. I understand that we are not able to take Exchange 2019 backup with lower (client/media) version than 8.x so I insta...
8.3.x
Solaris
StefanosM's avatar
StefanosM
Level 6

Hi,

When I had try it with a 7.6 server and a 8.2 client it was a big failure as for 8.2 (and 8.3) you have to install the master certificate.  But 8.2 was new back then, so maybe I was wrong.

My experience using clients with bigger version than the master is that you will have no problem as the backup is working.

BUT
I do not have experience with 8.x clients in older environments and the biggest problem is support. If something goes wrong you will find no help.

I suggest you to create a new netbackup environment, if you can not upgrade the current master. At least until you upgrade.

 

quebek's avatar
quebek
Moderator
3 years ago

Hello

My take would be this is blind luck it is working - btw did you try to restore? having backups does not mean you are able to restore. Also let me quote from sort.vertias.com about upgrade:

"

  • For compatibility between major versions, the latest available release of NetBackup is compatible with media servers and clients that run a release of NetBackup that is up to one major version behind. However, this compatibility ceases to be supported in any configuration once the previous major version has reached its End of Support Life.
    For information on Veritas End of Life Policy, refer to https://www.veritas.com/support/en_US/article.000116439
 
  • NetBackup does not support any scenario where a media server or client runs a software release update version that is higher than that of their Master server.
    For more information, refer to the NetBackup Release Notes and the NetBackup Upgrade Guide: https://www.veritas.com/support/en_US/article.000116412

"

So if you will face any, any even tiny issue with this env - Vertias support will wash their hands and point you to above - my take.

 

  • support2015's avatar
    support2015
    Level 4
    3 years ago

    Thanks for your great notes. Actually I haven't tried to restore this backup yet. I will do it and let you know the result.

     

    • Nicolai's avatar
      Nicolai
      Moderator
      3 years ago

      Hi support2015 

      I can only sanction quebek statement. 

      Don't run unsupported configurations

      If Exchange is a backup issues, install a separate Netbackup 8.3 Master / Media server.

      /Nicolai

       

      • support2015's avatar
        support2015
        Level 4
        3 years ago

        Nicolai 

        Hi,

        Thanks for your response.Regarding your suggestion for installing new master dedicated to Exchange backup, we do not have extra tape library to do so and it is not possible to partition the current library.

    • support2015's avatar
      support2015
      Level 4
      3 years ago

      quebek 

      I tested restoring this backup. when I tried to restore in alternate destination , it failed but it succeeded in original location.

      • quebek's avatar
        quebek
        Moderator
        3 years ago

        Hey

        Lucky you - nonetheless I would refrain from taking these backups using unsupported configuration. Knowing Muprhy's law when you will need this restore, something will go wrong and you won't even in position to open case with Veritas.

        If you have license for Media server - I think this can be converted to master - so create master/media on supported NBU release and take it form there... This is what I would do, but this is your env and I will leave it up to you.