SLP backups shows infinite retention , Kindly clarify

[Balaji_RT]

We run a Backup to XX-DD which gets later duped to a YY-DD.

Does the images backed up to XX -DD stays in infinite retention before it gets duped to YY -DD ?

I can see in the BAR window as such.. (or see the o/p using bpimagelist for a client)

Backed Up         Expires       Files       KB  C  Sched Type   Policy

----------------  ---------- -------- --------  -  ------------ ------------

02/16/2012 18:01  INFINITY        938  1059780  N  Differential xx_xxxxxxx_xxxx_xx policy

02/15/2012 18:01  INFINITY        915  1010778  N  Differential xx_xxxxxxx_xxxx_xx policy

02/14/2012 18:30  INFINITY        822   376059  N  Differential xx_xxxxxxx_xxxx_xx policy

02/13/2012 18:01  INFINITY        899   690478  N  Differential xx_xxxxxxx_xxxx_xx policy

02/12/2012 18:01  INFINITY        835   404920  N  Differential xx_xxxxxxx_xxxx_xx policy

02/11/2012 18:02  INFINITY       1148  1039296  N  Differential xx_xxxxxxx_xxxx_xx policy

02/10/2012 18:01  INFINITY       1311  1130508  N  Cumulative I xx_xxxxxxx_xxxx_xx policy

02/09/2012 18:01  INFINITY        903   996383  N  Differential xx_xxxxxxx_xxxx_xx policy

[Marianne · Accepted solution]

That is correct. Symantec guarantees duplication in this way. It will keep on trying until the duplication succeeds.

To prevent expiration of the backup in case there are lengthy problems with the duplication destination, it will mark copy 1 as Infinity until duplication has completed successfully. Only then will correct retention be assigned to copy 1.

I believe this behaviour is explained in NBU Admin Guide I.

[StefanosM]

Marianne is right. The backup will not expire unless netbackup create all copies.

Someone will think that is good for backups. I agree that it is good to keep the backups until all copies created but there is no point to keep the backup for ever.

It would be better to expire the backup, even if the SLP has not created all copies, if the backup pass the biggest expiration date.
For example if the longest retention is 2 months and the tape that will create a duplicate is out of the library, netbackup could expire an unfinished SLP after two months and not keep it infinity.

[Balaji_RT]

Thanks, got it cleared was actually working on a migration.