70 hours to verify, closed pst files causing exceptions, variable outcomes

[Simon_Kelly]

We have a fully patched and updated version of Backup Exce for Windsows Server v9.1 rev 4691. It is running on a Windows 2000 1-4CPU server with SP4 installed.

We have had trouble with backups for many months now, and we have been blaming different things for the trouble, such as old tapes, or faulty hard drives.

We particularly have trouble with pst files. Even though all users log out each night, and close Outlook, most pst files are skipped and cause exceptions.

Verification is also problematic. If it is turned off we get 30gb backed up in 2.5h. If verification is turned on, the backup takes anywhere from 5h to 70 hours!

Verification causes backups to fail. I have changed settings for locked files, which changes how the pst files are reported, but it doesn't change the backup slowness.

Deselecting the folder containing the pst files makes the system back up faster (not becuase the amount of data is much less, but the verification is quicker).

From reading around I know that pst files can be problematic. Is there a solution, and what is going on with a 70 verification?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Asma_Tamboli]

Hi,


The verify process is hardware extensive. This is an issue concerned with the hardware.
The Verify operation only ensures that the tape can be read.To know more about this you may refer to the following technote :

http://seer.support.veritas.com/docs/245177.htm

Normally slow verify is due to bad media. please perform the steps given below.

1) Clean tape drive at least 3 to 4 times using cleaning media
2) Download and update tape drive firmware from the manufacturers
3) Use new media
4) Try a New Drive if possible
5) Install latest VERITAS tape device drivers.

Hope it helps!

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