Backing up your backup server

[LouisSantos01]

Hey guys,

I want to get some opinions from other people about the best way to backup our backup exec server. Due to resources we can't configure VMHA for a failover therefore we want to keep backups of the backupserver itself. I beleive best practices is NOT to make snapshots of a server running backup exec. So that being said what are some ways you all manage backing up your backup server? 

Thanks a Lot

-Louis.

[VJware]

Here is the step-by-step procedure - http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH56671

[CraigV]

Hi Louis,

In reality you're basically going to need a copy of the Data/Catalogs folders. The actual SQL DB will be skipped (unless you have the SQL agent), but within the Data folder you will find the BEDB.bak file. This is the file created every night (default 4AM) by BE to backup the BEDB.

You're able to restore your media server to working order with those 2 folders.

Thanks!

[LouisSantos01]

Fair enough,

The problem is there is other information and DLO on this server. I would like to maintain an entire system backup. Is there a plausible way of doing so?

[CraigV]

...then the best option is to select everything on the media server and back that up. This way, if the server dies, you'd reload the OS, install BE and patch it, and then reinstall the server's backed up details.

[Colin_Weaver]

Note: if you backup server uses Backup to Disk or DeDuplication storage then recommended practice to backup the data in those is duplicate jobs (or possibly Optimized Duplication for DeDuplication Store content)

[LouisSantos01]

While taking a snapshot is not adviced by Syamtec is a different method of creating an image-based backup supported in any manner? 

[pkh]

BE does not do image backups.  If you want that, you should look at SSR.

[CraigV]

...you're not taking a snapshot...you're taking a backup of the server, and VSS takes care of the SQL DB.

You can split your backups up between data and DBs (Data = using AOFO; SQL DB = not using AOFO). Read below...

https://www-secure.symantec.com/connect/articles/backing-databases-and-files-same-tape-separate-jobs-using-backup-exec