Diff-Inc backup is almost of same size as full backup for DFSR data

[rashik]

We have configured NetBackup policy for DFSR data as per the article https://support.symantec.com/en_US/article.HOWTO65638.html.

- There are two schedules configured for backup policy - daily differential-incremental backup & weekly full backup.

- Differential-incremental backups are always almost of same size as full backup, which leads to storage unit getting full very frequently.

Could someone please suggest why are the diff-inc backups of same size as full backups for DFSR folder ? Is there any extra configuration or any specific changes needed to make it work?

Symantec Netbackup Client v7.6.1 is installed on the client & v7.6.1.2 is installed on the server side.

Thanks!

[sdo]

This TN:

Incremental and Full backups of DFSR data are the same size and file count

https://support.symantec.com/en_US/article.TECH212807.html

...says that the issue was due to be fixed by v7.6.0.2.

.

Is your backup client 'Client Host Properties' using 'Archive bit' or 'File datetime stamp' ?

[sdo · Accepted solution]

Also note that NetBackup v7.7.1:

https://support.symantec.com/en_US/article.DOC8511.html

...release notes says:

"NetBackup 7.7.1 adds support for system state incremental backups. You can also restore the system state using a full backup and one or more incremental backups. This feature helps you to save a lot of backup time and storage space.

However, for GRT backups, the system state incremental backups run as full backups. For more information, refer “Restoring the System State” in the NetBackup Administrator’s Guide, Volume I.” "

.

I believe that DFSR backups are covered by Shadow Copy Components (which is synonomous with Syatem State), and so maybe your solution is to go to v7.7.1 ?   But don't take my word for it, check with Support first for an official line on whether this new feature in NetBackup v7.7.1 will help you or not.   Please do let us know if/when you find out.  Thanks.

[rashik]

Thank you all for your reply.

>>Is your backup client 'Client Host Properties' using 'Archive bit' or 'File datetime stamp' ?

It is using Archive bit.

[sdo]

That TN says that a workaround is to use timestamp.

[rashik]

I have changed the Client host properties for incremental backups to "Based on timestamp" instead of archive bit. Ran the diff-inc backup manually post this change & the diff-inc backup is much lesser in size than the full backup.

I'll wait for both the diff-inc & full backups to run via scheduled jobs to confirm both the backups are working properly now.

Thanks a lot, for your help.