Backup Exec 11d does not backup using files last accessed filter

[scaveman]

We have an Windows 2003 Server with Backup Exec 11d that we are using to archive off old data files, which we will then delete once backup is complete. We are having trouble getting the Include Filter with Files Last Accessed option to work. We want to only backup a selected drive off one server, specify one directory to be excluded (which works) and then have it use the Files Last Accessed option of 730 days (2 full years). The idea is to have BExec only backup files that have NOT been accessed within the last 2 years. However, it backs up the entire drive/directories, including files that were accessed in the last few days, let alone before the last 2 years. Please let me know if you would need any additional information before providing assistance.

Thanks to all...

[scaveman]

bump...anyone got any ideas? Still having the issue of all files, regardless of the last accessed date, being backed up.

Thanks again...

[twinter]

We have a Windows 2003 server with Backup Exec 12.5.  We are using the filter to backup files that have NOT been accessed within 1 day to cut our SQL backups of the SQL backup folder.  However, it backs up all files in the folders part of the time and sometimes it appears to do a partial filter.  How does Symantec Backup Exec determine "files not accessed"?  I'm thinking this could be key in this issue.

[Ken_Putnam]

How does Symantec Backup Exec determine "files not accessed"? 

AFAIK, they use the Last Accessed date (right click a file in Explorer and select Properties)

Last Accessed is not the same as Last Modified.  You can test this by selecting a file that has not been updated in a while, and checking the properties.  Last Access should be the current date/time (since you accessed it to check the properties)

[CALVIN_CHIANG · Accepted solution]

just in case anybody comes across this looking for the answer like i did,.. here's how to do it:

1. Create a new backup job
2. DO NOT USE  THE NORMAL SELECTION LIST
3. In Selections, press on Include/Exclude
4. In the left window, select the path/dir that you want
   1. In the right pane, enter in the number of days next to “files not accessed in”
   2. Press ok
5. Note that if you go back into the Include/Exclude dialog, you wont see your settings for “files not accessed in”. Instead, close out of the Include/Exclude dialog, and still in the Selections window, press on the View Selection Details tab. This will show the command line switches for the backup, and you’ll see your date range specified there.
6. Select your device and media.
7. In the General window, make sure you set Backup Method to Archive the Files (delete after successful file copy)
8. Set exchange/sql/notification settings
9. choose "run now"
10. note that the date settings will not appear on the job summary
11. confirm the job
12. bob's your uncle.