Diff Linux agent backup is full backup?

[Kimmy_Shun]

We select using archived bit in backup option, and check no more option can be changed in linux and mac windows.The size of  differential backup of linux is same as full backup. Check backup history, it says "Differential - Back up changed files since the last full (using modified time)". How can we changed the backup of linux to using archived bit, so that even the backup is not 100%, it will back up diff data since last full backup?

[VJware]

Linux doesn't have archived bit (as its a feature of NTFS). Change to use modified time instead.
 

[Kimmy_Shun]

Hi VJWare, thanks. So for linux backup, only when the last full backup can 100% complete , then the backup size will be small than the full backup? as we know using modified time, it will try to run full backup in diff job when last full is not 100% or only 99% completed.

But in redhat 5.11, AOFO is not supported, does it mean , the in use files cannot be backup and always be skipped and backup cannot complete 100% ?

[pkh]

If you upgrade to FP1, them you would get AOF for RHEL 5.11. See this blog http://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/feature-pack-1-backup-exec-15-delivers-improved-performance-intelligent-backups-and-enhanced-p

[VJware]

When files are skipped if they are open, it doesn't affect the nature of the next backup (in terms of full or differential). Set the backup method to modified time for the linux backup.

Secondly, FP1 has AOFO support for RHEL 5.11 - https://support.symantec.com/en_US/article.TECH228725.html?

[Kimmy_Shun]

Hi VJWare,

What is "the nature of the" linux backup? Is Diff linux backup always be a full backup? In my linux backup, there is exception that the in use files were skipped. For the backup method by modified time, if the full backup is completely successfully, diff backup will run as full backup.

[VJware]

Using "modified time" the Linux Agent supports Differential & Incremental backups like Windows Systems and they are not same as that of Full backup.

Under Files and Folders option of the backup job, the backup method must be set to "By modified time".

If it is already set to modified time, what happens when you run an incremental backup instead of a differential ?

A diff / incr backup will run as a full backup under the following conditions -

1) A remote agent is not present

2) A share is being backed up

3) Third party software such as an AV is changing the modified time

4) Unsupported file system and version

[Kimmy_Shun]

Hi VJWare ,sorry to say thart we cannot change the backup method to by modified time. In this backup job, there are Windows server backup and linux server backup. If using by modified time, there will be problem I mentioned in previous message, when the bakcup is not 100% completed, diff backup will run as big as full backup.

[VJware]

If using by modified time, there will be problem I mentioned in previous message, when the bakcup is not 100% completed, diff backup will run as big as full backup.

This is not strictly true. Your problem of the differential running as same as full is not because the job completed with skipped files exceptions.

If set to archive bit, differentials / incrementals will not work for Linux. Best to have separate backup jobs for Windows and for Linux.

[Kimmy_Shun]

Hi VJWare

Because the backup is using tape backup. So we don't have enough slots and tapes to backup separated job.

Check history in BE2010, we also have same problem. there is exception about these in use files that were skppied and the linux backup size in every diff job is same as full backup. In BE2010R2 compatibility list, redhat 5.7 is supported. Believed AOFO is supported on redhat 5.7 by BE2010R2,but we still have same problem.

Does it mean even I applied FP1 on BE15, the problem I encountered still cannot be fixed in redhat 5.11 backup? The in use files showed in attachment still will be skpped?  https://www-secure.symantec.com/connect/sites/default/files/Full%20backup%20history%20to%20sym_2.jpg

Thank you.

[VJware]

In BE 2010, are you using the same selection list and modified time method for the diff backup of linux servers ?

And reiterating, skipped files are not the cause of diff backups not running properly.

[Colin_Weaver]

You can append one job after the other onto the same tape (as long as you get your media set and job start options and times correct)

Note: comment only about your tape handling, not about you open files backups or differential/archive bit issues (you now have 3 separeate problems in this one thread)