I currently use Backup Exec 10.0 Rev 5520.
The FULL backup consists of two servers and a total of roughly 200Gb of data. If I were to run the full backup it would take 24 hours.
The media is a external hard drive connected to a usb 2.0 port on the server.
If I just backup the system state as its own separate job with AOFO on it takes 12 hours. And the size is 60Gb.
If I do the same job just mentioned with AOFO off it takes 2 hours, and only backs up 49Gb of data. Obviously this is because files are in use.
But if the server were to crash and I would have to restore the system state, wouldn't I be re-installing the server OS anyway? Those system files would essentially be restored.
Do I continue to backup the system state with AOFO on or off? Or is there a way to shorten the time of this particular job.
FYI: It is using Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service Snapshot Provider: allow VSS to select.
Just as an after thought, if a company has to purchase the AOFO in order to get all the "in use" system files why even give you the option to backup the system state without it?