Want to take a backup of Windows Hidden files.

[Arvind_Yadav]

Hi,

     We are using NetBackup 7.5 version. We want to take hidden file backup from windows server. 

Does Netbackup 7.5 backup Hidden files?

Please suggest...

Regards,

Arvind Yadav

[sksujeet]

Yes it will

[Mark_Solutions]

It should backup everything - but do bear in mind that a lot of hidden (or at least system) files on a Windows tend to be part of the System State / Shadow Copy Components - so if you do see them where you expect the the BAR GUI they may be under the System State area

Hope this helps

[Arvind_Yadav]

           We are taking specific folder backup, hidden files are present in that. We took Full successful backup of that folder but in Backup and Restore GUI those hidden files not seen. 

Backup status report shows 0 - Files Copied and Size of backup is 1KB. 

Then, How we confirmed those hidden files backed up?

Arvind

[Mark_Solutions]

What is the folder and files in question?

If it is a system file they could be excluded

So do check your NetBackup exclusions as well as the "filesnottobackup" registry key in Windows - see this tech note: http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH16645

If however they have special permissions it may be that your NetBackup Client service account needs to use an account that has rights to them - usually the local system account is fine but in some circumstances it may need something a little extra

[Arvind_Yadav]

 We are taking backup of C:\Windows\NTDS folder backup in that hidden files are present. We verified folder not added in NBU Exclude list. 

[Mark_Solutions · Accepted solution]

I believe that is where Active Directory information is stored - so that is part of the System State / Shadow Copy Components

As such it wont be backed up during a normal backup

If you want to back that up then just backup the Shadow Copy Components

If you need granularity for restores then use GRT

Hope this helps

[Arvind_Yadav]

Thanks Mark, this information helps me to cleared doubts about hidden file backup and restore.

Can you have Symantec Tech note link on this? If Yes, please share... :)

[Mark_Solutions]

A Microsoft tech note explaining that NTDS is you AD components in the System State :

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc961924.aspx

You do need to make sure the NTDS writer is functional on the server to be able to back it up:

This one does confirm that the NTDS folder is your AD information:

http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH135253

[Arvind_Yadav]

Thanks Mark for you prompt Support and reply for this issue.

bye!!!