Bakbone Netvault Backup 7.4 Getting Started Guide

Redefining Data Protection

NVE 7003-15B 01/12-06

Title Page

for version 7.4.x

BakBone Software9540 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 100 San Diego, California, USA 92121

866.484.2663

CopyrightsNetVault: Backup Getting Started Guide (for Version 7.4.x) Documentation Copyright © 2006 BakBone SoftwareSoftware Copyright © 2006 BakBone Software

This documentation and its associated software product are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. The distribution and sale of this product are intended for the use of the original purchaser only per the terms of the License Agreement. All other product trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

This document may not, in whole or part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated, reduced or transferred to any electronic medium or machine-readable form without prior consent in writing from BakBone Software.

THIS PUBLICATION IS PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.

THIS PUBLICATION COULD INCLUDE TECHNICAL INACCURACIES OR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS. CHANGES ARE PERIODICALLY ADDED TO THE INFORMATION HEREIN; THESE CHANGES WILL BE INCORPORATED INTO NEW EDITIONS OF THE PUBLICATION. BAKBONE SOFTWARE MAY MAKE IMPROVEMENTS AND/OR CHANGES IN THE PRODUCT(S) AND/OR THE PROGRAM(S) DESCRIBED IN THIS PUBLICATION AT ANY TIME.

Chapter 1: Introduction and the GUI 7

• Introduction ................................................................................. 9- The NetVault “Step” Methodology ................................................... 9- Installing NetVault ...................................................................... 10- Getting Started with NetVault - An Overview .................................. 10

• The NetVault GUI - AN Overview ............................................. 11- Launching the NetVault GUI ........................................................ 11- Navigating the NetVault GUI ........................................................ 12

• The NetVault Configurator ....................................................... 13- Launching the NetVault Configurator ............................................ 14- Starting/Stopping NetVault Services ............................................. 15

• Conclusion ................................................................................ 15

Chapter 2: Clients and Devices 17

• Clients and Devices - A Brief Overview .................................. 19• Adding Clients to the NetVault Server .................................... 19

- Searching for Clients .................................................................. 21• Adding Devices to the NetVault Server................................... 22

- Adding a Library Device .............................................................. 22- Adding a Standalone Device ........................................................ 30- Adding a Virtual Device (for Backup to Hard Disk) .......................... 30

• Conclusion ................................................................................ 33

Chapter 3: Backup and Restore 35

• Backup and Restore - A Brief Overview ................................. 37• Performing a Backup................................................................ 37

- Performing a Full Backup on the NetVault Server ........................... 38- Diagnosing Media Requests ........................................................ 41- Performing a Full Backup of a NetVault Client ............................... 42- Performing an Incremental Backup ............................................... 45

• Restoring Data .......................................................................... 48- Performing a Basic Restore ......................................................... 48- Performing a Restore of an Incremental Backup ............................ 50

Table of Contents

Section 1: Getting Started

Table of Contentsiv

• Additional Notes onBackup & Restore54- Read the Manual ........................................................................54- Optional Solutions .......................................................................55

• Conclusion.................................................................................55

Chapter 4: Basic Performance Tuning 57

• Basic Performance Tuning .......................................................59- Performance - The Device Management Window ...........................59

• Conclusion.................................................................................66

Appendix A: Technical Support 69

• Contacting Technical Support..................................................71- Helpdesk Support Lines ...............................................................71- BakBone Software’s Web Site ......................................................71

Section 2: Appendix

S E C T I O N 1 :

Getting Started

Chapter 1:

1.0.0 - INTRODUCTION .............................................................. 9• 1.0.1 - The NetVault “Step” Methodology .................................... 9• 1.0.2 - Installing NetVault .......................................................... 10• 1.0.3 - Getting Started with NetVault - An Overview ................... 10

1.1.0 - THE NETVAULT GUI - AN OVERVIEW .................... 11• 1.1.1 - Launching the NetVault GUI ........................................... 11

- 1.1.1.a - In a Linux/UNIX-based Environment............................ 11- 1.1.1.b - In a Windows-based Environment ............................... 12

• 1.1.2 - Navigating the NetVault GUI ........................................... 121.2.0 - THE NETVAULT CONFIGURATOR ........................... 13

• 1.2.1 - Launching the NetVault Configurator ............................. 14- 1.2.1.a - In a Linux/MP-RAS Environment................................. 14- 1.2.1.b - In a Windows-based Environment ............................... 14

• 1.2.2 - Starting/Stopping NetVault Services ............................... 151.3.0 - CONCLUSION ................................................................. 15

Introduction and the GUI

Chapter 1Introduction and the GUI

8

NetVault®: BackupGetting Started Guide

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Section: 1.0.0:

INTRODUCTIONThis document is designed for those who have successfully installed NetVault for the first time and it offers a step-by-step procedure for properly setting up the software for use, including the use of such features as Client and Device addition, as well as basic backup and restore operations with the File System Plugin.

Seemingly large for something labelled as a “Getting Started Guide”, the overall size of this guide should not be seen as intimidating, because it offers detailed information on required set up procedures.

Sub-Section: 1.0.1:

The NetVault “Step” MethodologyTo create continuity in NetVault’s documentation, a “step by step” approach is being utilized when referencing each guide used for the NetVault ®:Backup product. By adhering to this step by step process, you will find it easy to install and get up and running with NetVault.

As displayed on the cover of this guide, this guide represents “Step 2” in the NetVault process, which consists of the following four phases:

Step 1: The NetVault ®: Backup Installation/Upgrade Guide - Full instructions on installing and upgrading NetVaultStep 2: The NetVault®: Backup Getting Started Guide - This guide. Basic instructions on getting up and running with NetVaultStep 3: The NetVault®: Backup Administrator’s Guide - Complete, comprehensive guide that outlines all functionary available in NetVaultStep 4: The NetVault®: Backup Configurator Guide - A guide dedicated to describing the functionality available in NetVault’s companion utility, the NetVault Configurator

Important: 1. This document is not intended for use with an upgrade of an

earlier version of NetVault. If upgrading from an earlier version please see the NetVault Upgrade Guide (for the appropriate version).

2. This guide does not give detailed coverage of the full use of NetVault and is designed to be used in tandem with the NetVault Administrator’s Guide


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Sub-Section: 1.0.2:

Installing NetVaultBecause NetVault supports several different operating systems, and installation instructions can vary based on release version, installation is fully covered in its own documentation. Please see the NetVault ®: Backup Installation/Upgrade Guide for complete details on installation.

Sub-Section: 1.0.3:

Getting Started with NetVault - An OverviewWith NetVault properly installed on the NetVault Server and all desired Clients, ply getting started with NetVault requires that various procedures be followed in a relatively specific order. The following outline of points illustrates an order that should be followed:

Phase 1: Reviewing the GUI on the NetVault Server - To gain a familiarity with its launching and navigation.Phase 2: Adding Clients to the NetVault Server - This allows the NetVault Server to access each machine with the Client version of the NetVault installed in order to target it for all manner of NetVault operations.Phase 3: Adding Devices to the NetVault Server - The NetVault Server is used to control various backup devices which are to serve as a target of a backup (e.g., tape libraries and standalone tape drives).Phase 4: Backing Up and Restoring Data Phase 5: Performance Tuning (Optional) - While considered optional, various settings in NetVault can be made to optimize performance.

The NetVault®: Backup Getting Started Guide has been designed to cover all of the above named phases of getting started, in the order they are to be performed:

Important: 1. If you have not yet completed a step covered in an earlier guide

of this step-by-step procedure, please refer any earlier guide(s) and complete the processes described there before continuing on with this guide.

2. All of the guides outlined in the points above are included on the NetVault installation CD or they can be downloaded from BakBone Software’s web site, by clicking on the “NetVault” link located on the following page:

http://www.bakbone.com/support/product_documentation/

http://www.bakbone.com/support/product_documentation/

http://www.bakbone.com/support/product_documentation/retrieve_documentation.asp?product=NetVault&page_type=products


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Chapter 1: Introduction and the NetVault GUI - This chapter offers a brief introduction to NetVault as well as a section dedicated to basic navigation in the GUI (i.e., Phase 1: Reviewing the GUI on the NetVault Server).Chapter 2: Clients and Devices - This chapter covers both Phase 3: Adding Clients to the NetVault Server and Phase 4: Adding Devices to the NetVault Server.Chapter 3: Backups and Restores - This chapter gives basic examples of performing backup and restore jobs with NetVault’s native File System Plugin, thereby covering Phase 5: Backing Up and Restoring Data.Chapter 4: Basic Performance Tuning - This chapter offers instruction on some recommended procedures that can be followed to enhance NetVault performance. This covers Phase 6: Performance Tuning.

Section: 1.1.0

THE NETVAULT GUI - AN OVERVIEWThis section offers an overview of the functionality of the NetVault GUI, as well as how to access it.

Sub-Section: 1.1.1:

Launching the NetVault GUI The sections that follow offer instructions on accessing the NetVault GUI based on the operating system in use.

Part: 1.1.1.aIn a Linux/UNIX-based Environment

On all Linux/UNIX-based installations of NetVault, the GUI is accessed by issuing the command “nvgui” from a terminal prompt.

Important: 1. NetVault’s GUI is designed so that this command can be issued

from the prompt of any directory/sub-directory (i.e., it is not necessary to navigate to the installation directory of NetVault before issuing this command).

2. For SGI IRIX Operating System Users: Prior to launching the NetVault GUI for the first time, it may be necessary to refresh the SGI IRIX shell currently in use (i.e., close the current shell and initiate a new one) before issuing the NVGUI command to access the NetVault GUI.

3. If desired, an ampersand (“&”) can be included at the end of the “nvgui” command in order to maintain an open prompt in the terminal session window.


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Part: 1.1.1.bIn a Windows-based Environment

On a Windows-based installation of NetVault, the GUI can be access by performing the following steps:

1. Access the Start menu.2. From the Programs group, access the NetVault application

group and select NetVault to launch the GUI.

Sub-Section: 1.1.2:

Navigating the NetVault GUIThe main window of the GUI offers access to all aspects of the software, but the predominant features are accessible via the large buttons, including:

Figure 1-1:Navigating the Start Menu in

Windows 2000 to launch NetVault

The Command Toolbars (i.e., both the large and small buttons)

The Pull-down Menus

Figure 1-2:The NetVault Graphical User Interface (GUI)


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Backup - The Backup window is used to select the data for a backup. All backup jobs are created in this window.Restore - To recover backed up data, use the Restore window. All restore jobs are created in this window.Client Management - This window allows for the addition and removal of Client machines to and from the NetVault Server. As well, this window is used to install additional plugins and extensions.Device Management - One of the most important windows in NetVault, the Device Management window allows for the installation, management and monitoring of backup devices.Status - This window displays information on the current status of the NetVault Server, in regards to jobs running, device and client status, and any Operator Messages issued as a result of various NetVault operations.Media Management - This window provides access to information pertaining to media associated with the NetVault Server (i.e., media in use by jobs generated with this NetVault Server).Job Management - This window allows for the monitoring of job performance as well as schedules for various NetVault jobs. Information can be gathered here pertaining to completed, in progress and future jobs.Logs - A valuable tool, this window offers a central location for all log messages that occur pertaining to NetVault operations (save device-related log messages, which are located in the Device Management window).

Many additional tools are also available for use from the main GUI of NetVault, via the pull-down menus located in the top left corner of its window. For complete details on these tools as well as accessing all aspects of NetVault, please see the NetVault Administrator’s Guide.

Section: 1.2.0

THE NETVAULT CONFIGURATORThe NetVault Configurator is a tool included as part of the standard NetVault installation, even if the NetVault GUI (Graphical User Interface) is not installed.

Important: 1. It is recommended that any option contained in the Configurator

only be changed with the guidance of BakBone Technical Support (for details on contacting Support, please see Appendix A: Technical Support on page 69).


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Sub-Section: 1.2.1:

Launching the NetVault ConfiguratorWith NetVault installed, the Configurator is placed in the following directory:

...\NetVault\bin\nvconfigurator

Part: 1.2.1.aIn a Linux/MP-RAS Environment

The NetVault Configurator utility can be launched from a terminal session opened to any directory by issuing the following command:

nvconfigurator

Part: 1.2.1.bIn a Windows-based Environment

The Configurator utility can be launched through two different methods in a Windows-based environment:

From a Command Line Terminal (DOS Prompt) - Navigate to the “...\NetVault\bin\nvconfigurator” directory (where “...” represents the path to the NetVault installation) and run the “nvconfigurator.exe” executable fileFrom the Start Menu - from the Programs group, access the NetVault application group and select NetVault Configurator

2. There is no on-line help available for use with the NetVault Configurator.

3. For complete details on the use of options contained in the Configurator, please refer to the NetVault Configurator Guide.

Important: If desired, an ampersand (“&”) can be included at the end of the “nvconfigurator” command in order to maintain an open prompt in the terminal session window.


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Sub-Section: 1.2.2:

Starting/Stopping NetVault Services At times, it may be necessary to stop and restart NetVault Services. NetVault’s external configuration utility, the NetVault Configurator is used for this process. To accomplish this, follow the steps below.

1. Launch the NetVault Configurator (for details on accessing the Configurator for a desired Operating System, see the following section).

2. Select the Service tab.3. Click on Stop NetVault in order to stop the NetVault services.4. Clicking on Start NetVault will re-start the NetVault services5. Click on OK to apply all changes and exit the Configurator.

Section: 1.3.0

CONCLUSIONWith the software successfully installed, on both the NetVault Server and Client machines, it is now necessary to move to the next phase. The next section of this guide covers the following:

Client Addition - The addition of NetVault Clients (e.g., backup and restore targets), to the NetVault Server.Backup Device Addition - An example-based set of instructions for the addition of a tape library to the NetVault Server, to serve as a backup destination.

Important: 1. Some operations in NetVault require that NetVault Services be

stopped and restarted and various sections of this documentation refer to this requirement. Unless instructed by NetVault documentation to do so, it is recommended that services only be stopped at the instruction of a BakBone Technical Support representative.

2. Many other options used for the configuration of NetVault are also available in the Configurator. Each of these options is fully described in the NetVault Configurator Guide.

Figure 1-3:The Service tab as revealed in the

NetVault Configurator

Chapter 2:

2.0.0 - CLIENTS AND DEVICES - A BRIEF OVERVIEW.... 192.1.0 - ADDING CLIENTS TO THE NETVAULT SERVER . 19

• 2.1.1 - Searching for Clients ..................................................... 212.2.0 - ADDING DEVICES TO THE NETVAULT SERVER . 22

• 2.2.1 - Adding a Library Device ................................................. 22- 2.2.1.a - Option 1: Automatic Addition of a Library Device .......... 22- 2.2.1.b - Option 2: Manually Adding A Library............................ 26

• 2.2.2 - Adding a Standalone Device........................................... 30• 2.2.3 - Adding a Virtual Device (for Backup to Hard Disk) .......... 30

- 2.2.3.a - Creating a Virtual Library............................................ 312.3.0 - CONCLUSION ................................................................. 33

Clients and Devices

Chapter 2Clients and Devices

18


19

Section: 2.0.0:

CLIENTS AND DEVICES - A BRIEF OVERVIEWWith the software successfully installed on both the designated NetVault Server and its Client machines, two initial items must be taken into consideration prior to performing a backup of data. These include:

Adding Clients to the NetVault Server - Although this can be done at any time, it is recommended that the machines designated as NetVault Clients be added to the NetVault Server for accessibility to any locally attached devices as well as to target them for backup and restore.Adding Storage Devices to the NetVault Server - Prior to initiating a backup job of and added client machine, qualifying devices must be added to the NetVault Server for use.

This chapter offers various examples of both of these operations. While the examples shown are brief (i.e., they are set up only to give a basic example of how they are performed), complete, detailed information can be found in the NetVault 7.1.x Administrator’s Guide (Chapter 6: The Client Management Window and Chapter 7: The Device Management Window).

Section: 2.1.0

ADDING CLIENTS TO THE NETVAULT SERVERIt is recommended that the first operation performed from the NetVault Server be the addition of any eligible NetVault Client machines to the NetVault Server for access. Eligible machines include those that are to be the target of a NetVault backup (i.e., the Client version of the software is installed for this purpose),

Figure 2-1:The Client Management window


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and/or those with locally attached backup devices so that the devices can be added to the NetVault Server for use (i.e., what NetVault refers to as SmartClientsTM). Addition of a Client is performed via the Client Management window of NetVault. In the example procedure below, client machines have been established and one is to be added to the NetVault Server.

1. In the Clients tab of the of the Client Management window, two windows are revealed.

The Clients Window - In this window, machines that are accessible to the NetVault Server are revealed (e.g., at default, only the NetVault Server is revealed in this window, serving as a Client to itself).The Available NetVault Machines Window - This window reveals machines that have been located on the network that contain NetVault Software and can be added as a Client to the NetVault Server.

2. From the Available NetVault Machines window, locate the desired machine, right click on it and select Add as Client from the pop-up menu.

Important: 1. Clients displayed in the Available NetVault Machines window

are marked with various icons which indicate their current availability. A machine marked with a blue icon, is currently available for addition (but may require a password). Machines marked with a red icon are currently not available for addition (e.g., the machine may be offline).

2. If attempting to add a machine with the Server version of NetVault installed as a Client to the NetVault Server, access to add the machine may be denied, based on settings made in the Security tab of the NetVault Configurator. To resolve this issue and for complete details on troubleshooting client addition, please see Chapter 6: The Client Management Window of the NetVault Administrator’s Guide.


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3. The Password Required window will be revealed. Input the proper password (i.e., the password assigned to the machine during the installation process) and click on OK.

4. If the password value is valid, the machine will be added as a Client and a confirmation dialog box will launch stating such. This machine can now be backed up and restored to, via the NetVault Server.

5. To add additional Clients, simply follow the same steps above, selecting a different machine each time from the Available NetVault Machines window.

Sub-Section: 2.1.1:

Searching for ClientsOn occasion, Clients may not initially appear in the Available NetVault Machines window (e.g., due to its location on a network, firewall settings, etc.). The Client Management window allows a provision for this instance. Using the Find NetVault Machine frame, input the NetVault name of the desired machine or its IP Address. The network will be scanned, and if the machine is located, it will be added to the Available NetVault Machines window (in alphabetical order).

Figure 2-2:The steps involved in the successful addition of a Client

to the NetVault Server

Figure 2-3:The Find NetVault Machine frame


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Section: 2.2.0

ADDING DEVICES TO THE NETVAULT SERVER

Many different types of storage devices can be added to the NetVault Server for the purpose of performing a backup; from large tape libraries and standalone drives to portions of a target system’s hard drive reserved for this purpose (i.e., a Virtual Device). This section offers example instructions for the addition of both a tape library device and a standalone drive. Both of these operations are controlled via NetVault’s Device Management window.

Sub-Section: 2.2.1:

Adding a Library DeviceTwo options for the addition of a tape library to the NetVault Server are covered in this section (based on the qualifications of the tape library to be added).

Part: 2.2.1.aOption 1: Automatic Addition of a Library Device

NetVault offers a built-in utility that will automatically detect most library devices and attempt to automatically add them to the NetVault Server. Once a qualifying device is detected, a series of windows will initiate requesting various information/options set. Complete the

Important: NetVault supports the use of a device locally attached to a machine that is to serve as a NetVault Client. Referred to as a NetVault SmartClientTM, this client machine must have at least the Client version of the NetVault Software installed, and it must be added to the NetVault Server as a client (i.e., via the procedure outlined in the previous section) before the device will be eligible for use. See the section Adding Clients to the NetVault Server on page 19, for details on adding a NetVault Client.

Figure 2-4:The root window of the Device Management window


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following steps in order to have a device automatically added to the NetVault Server.

Step 1: Recognizing a Device

To automatically recognize an eligible device, complete the following steps.

1. Launch NetVault and select the Device Management button (or select Device Management from the Administration pull-down menu). The software will then automatically scan the SCSI bus on all added NetVault Clients as well as the NetVault Server.

2. NetVault will search for a library capable of serialization (the library can tell a user which drives are in which drive bays) on the network, and/or attached directly to the NetVault Server itself.

3. If any applicable devices are found, a configuration “Wizard” will launch and if a library is found, configuration will begin.

4. To begin the Auto Configuration process, click on the Next button.

Important: Only devices capable of serialization are eligible for automatic device configuration. If the library to be used is not, or it is not recognized upon initial access of the Device Management window, the library must be manually added (see the following section).

Important: To avoid configuration, select Cancel. If “Cancel” is selected, each time NetVault is loaded, the Wizard will recognize this device and prompt the user to configure it again, unless the Do Not Ask Again for this Device box is checked.

Figure 2-5:The Automatic Device Configuration window that launches when

NetVault detects an eligible device.

Figure 2-6:The Do Not Ask Again for this

Device option


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Step 2: Adding the Device

1. The Add Library window will appear next. In this window, the Name field will display the path to the library and the library’s factory-given name, at default. Input a custom name for the device in this field, if desired.

2. The default performance options can be changed by checking the box to the left of Configure Performance Options. Selecting this and then clicking Next will reveal an additional window for custom configuration (see the Configuring Performance Options section, below).

3. Checking the box to the left of Scan Clients for Remote/Shared Drives (and then clicking on Next) will reveal a window that makes it possible to add the library in a SAN environment so drives can be seen by many clients (see the section Step 4: Scan Clients For Remote/Shared Drives. on page 25).

Step 3: Configuring Performance Options

1. The Configure Performance Options window offers the following options:

Amount of memory to assign to transfer buffers (Kb): Often referred to as the shared memory setting, this allows the user to set the size of the buffer for transfer. The default of 257 which is the minimum shared memory size, is equal to 8 buffers of 32 Kb plus one Kb. Increasing this value will optimize performance, if available memory will allow.Media Block Size: Increasing the Media Block Size may increase the backup performance on various types of devices.

Figure 2-7:With confirmation of the auto-recognized device,

the Add Library window is revealed.


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2. With all options set as desired, click Next to proceed.

Step 4: Scan Clients For Remote/Shared Drives.

1. Clicking on Scan Clients for Remote/Shared Drives option will reveal the following on the Add Library Window:

Re-scan Clients for Devices: It is possible that the information gathered automatically by NetVault when

Important: 1. If the Media Block Size value is increased, the shared memory

setting must be increased as well. The value of the shared memory setting must be equal to at least four times the Media block size plus one (in Kb).

2. Configuring total shared memory size also depends on the operating system being used. Always use caution when setting block size and shared memory size on a system.

Figure 2-8:The Configure Performance Options Window.

Figure 2-9:Options as revealed when the Scan Clients for Remote/Shared

Drives option is selected


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initially auto detecting devices is out of date. Selecting this item will force a re-scan of the bus, rather than using the cached, original information.Select Clients Window: This window displays a list of available clients. Select any or all of the clients listed that may have a device attached. NetVault will scan the selected clients and if a device is found, it will automatically add it.

2. With all options set as desired, click Next to proceed.

Step 5: Final Confirmation of an Added Device

Once NetVault has scanned the SCSI bus and added the device, the final window will appear. To exit this window and complete this operation, click Next. This device will now appear in the Devices tab of the Device Management Window.

Part: 2.2.1.bOption 2: Manually Adding A Library

If a library device was not able to make use of the Automatic Device Configuration facility, it must be manually added via the Add Library window. The example procedure illustrated below adds an Exabyte 480 Library, with two Quantum DLT 4000 drives, to the NetVault Server. Prior to adding the device, no devices are currently available (so no backup can be run).

1. From the Device Management window, select the Add Library command from the Add pull-down menu to access the Add Library window.

2. The default selected tab in this window is the Library Selection tab. From the Choose Library frame, locate the NetVault Client to which the desired library is attached, and right-click on it. For this example, the NetVault Server contains the device and is entitled “NETVAULT_SERVER”.

Figure 2-10:The final confirmation dialog box.


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3. In the pop-up menu that appears, select the Open command. Any accessible libraries attached to this machine will be displayed beneath it. Each library will be revealed with its name, SCSI ID and its associated device string.

4. Right-click on the desired library and choose the Select command from the pop-up menu that is revealed. A picture of the selected library as well as its Type and Details are displayed in the Selected Library frame.

5. With the library selected, click the Drive Selection tab to set the drives for the library.

6. In the Choose Drive frame, right-click on the same NetVault Client that was accessed in the previous tab (e.g., “NETVAULT_SERVER”), and select the Open command from the pop-up menu (or simply double-click on the Client).

Figure 2-11:The Add Library Window

Figure 2-12:The Open pop-up menu command is revealed when a Client is right-clicked

Figure 2-13:The Library Selection Tab as shown when

a qualifying library is selected


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7. Right-click on the same NetVault Client in the Choose Drives Frame and select Open from the pop-up menu. A list of available drives will be displayed.

8. If multiple drives exist in a single library, each drive must be assigned to its correctly numbered Drive Bay. In this example, the library to be added contains two drives. Drive one must be assigned to Drive Bay one and drive two must be assigned to Drive Bay two. The following steps were taken to successfully set up these drives:a. To begin, a value of one (“1”) was input in the Select for

Drive Bay field.

b. Drive one was then right-clicked on in the Choose Drives field and the Select command was chosen from the pop-up menu, establishing Drive Bay one as the location of this drive. A picture of the drive will appear in the Selected Drives frame along with information pertain to that drive type.

c. For the second drive, two (“2”) was input in the Select for Drive Bay field.

d. Lastly, the drive serving as drive two was right-clicked on and the Select command chosen from the pop-up menu, establishing Drive Bay two as the location of this drive.

Figure 2-14:When a qualifying client is opened to reveal drives and then

right-clicked on to access the Select command

Figure 2-15:Adding the first drive in a multiple drive library

Figure 2-16:Adding the second drive in a multiple drive library


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Again, once selected in this manner a picture of the added drive type will appear in the Selected Drives frame, accompanied by information pertaining to that drive.

9. With all drives successfully added to the library device, the Configure tab can be accessed. This tab allows for advanced configuration of library and drive parameters. The options available in this tab are no different than those offered for a traditional device. For complete details on the use of these options, please see Chapter 7: The Device Management Window of the NetVault Administrator’s Guide.

10.A default name for the library which includes the path to the client it is attached to as well as information specific to the type of device will be displayed in the Library Name field. This is how the library will be displayed throughout NetVault. If this name is acceptable leave this value unchanged, otherwise input a desired new name in this field.

11.With all previous steps completed and configuration options set as desired, click the Save Details button to save the library configuration. The NetVault - Information dialog box will appear stating that the library has been added successfully.

12.The NetVault Device Management window will now display the new device and initialization will begin. Initially, only the library and drive(s) are displayed. As each slot is initialized and media is located, it will reveal a media type title of UNKNOWN. Upon successful scanning of the entire library, media will then be given any one of the following labels, based on the results of the scan:

Blank: New or previously blanked mediaForeign: Media that is eligible for use, but its content is not readily recognized by NetVault. Media with a label of this type must be scanned for use (i.e., via the Scan command that can be accessed in a pop-up menu by right-clicking on the desired piece of media)

Important: In the event that additional drives exist in the library, continue to add them in this same manner, ensuring that each drive number is selected for the correct Drive Bay (i.e., the correct number value is assigned in the Select for Drive Bay field prior to choosing the Select command from the pop-up menu).

Figure 2-17:A custom name input for the library

Figure 2-18:The NetVault-Information dialog


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NetVault5 <O/S Title>: In the event that a piece of media was used with a version of NetVault earlier than 6.x, this label will be assigned to it.Other: Media formatted in some other manner

Sub-Section: 2.2.2:

Adding a Standalone DeviceNetVault also allows for the addition of a Standalone Device for use in a backup and restore scenario. A Standalone Drive is one that is classified as one that has a single drive in which pieces of media are manually inserted. These devices are added to the NetVault Server in much the same way as individual drives are added for a Library device. For complete details on the use of Standalone Devices and their addition to the NetVault Server, please see Chapter 7: The Device Management Window of the NetVault Administrator’s Guide.

Sub-Section: 2.2.3:

Adding a Virtual Device (for Backup to Hard Disk)A virtual device allocates a portion of a system’s hard drive in order to emulate a backup device. Once properly created, these devices maintain all of the properties of a real device of that type. For example, NetVault allows for the creation of a Virtual Library device, which can be configured to contain as many drives and slots as desired. Once the virtual device is created, it will be seen by NetVault as a real Virtual Library and it can be used in the exact same manner. Virtual devices allow for fast storage. As well, they can be used for such things as disk staging and temporary storage during actual library cleaning.

Figure 2-19:The NetVault Device Management window displays

the newly added device


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Part: 2.2.3.aCreating a Virtual Library

The following procedures illustrate how to create and add a virtual library for use.

Step 1: Creating the Virtual Library

Prior to adding a virtual library to NetVault, it is first necessary to create one. Virtual libraries can be created with as many drives and slots as desired. To add a device of this type, follow the instructions detailed below.

1. With the Device Management window active o the Netvault Server, select Add Library from the Add pull-down menu in order to access the Add Library window.

2. In the Choose Library frame, right-click on the desired client and select Create Virtual Library from the pop-up menu.

3. The Add New Virtual Library window will launch, containing the following fields:

Library Location - Input a path to the desired location for the libraryLibrary Name - Enter the desired name for the new library in this field (default = “NewLibrary”)Barcode Prefix - This field contains the barcode prefix to be assigned to each piece of media created for use in the library. NetVault will automatically generate a value in this field in order to maintain the uniqueness of the barcode, but a manual value can be input if desired.Number of Drives - In this field, input the desired number of drives the library will contain.

Important: 1. Virtual devices can only be as large as the client system’s hard

drive will allow.

2. It is not possible to share a virtual device between NetVault Clients. For example, if set up on a Client installation of NetVault, it is only possible to conduct local backups of that machine to the virtual device. However, if a virtual device is established on the NetVault Server, it is possible to route backups from all added NetVault Clients to it.

Figure 2-20:The Create Virtual Library command


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Number of Slots - Input the desired number of slots the library will contain in this field. When generating a virtual library, each slot will contain a piece of media.Media Capacity (MB) - Input the desired size for each piece of media to be used.

Important: 1. The value input in Media Capacity (MB) field dictates the size of

each piece of virtual media in the slots of the library. As each slot created contains a piece of media, be sure that there is enough available disk space to accommodate. The following formula can be used to calculate this space requirement:<Number of Slots Set> X <Media Capacity (MB) Input> =

Required Space on Target Hard DiskFor example, the Number of Slots field is set to “10” so that 10 slots will exist in the virtual library. The Media Capacity is then set to “100”. Therefore at least 1,000 MB (or 1 GB) of available space must exist on the target hard drive.

2. As a best practice, it is recommended that the Media Capacity (MB) value be set to the size of the average backup that will be performed. For example, if all of the files included in a regular backup job account for approximately 90 MB of space, set this value to 100 MB. This way, each backup job can be housed on a single piece of virtual media (rather than spanned between multiple pieces).

Figure 2-21:The Add New Virtual Library window


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4. Select OK to initiate creation of the library. Based on the amount of Slots and the Media Capacity set, this may take a few minutes. Upon successful creation of the virtual library, a confirmation dialog box will be launched. Click OK to close this dialog box.

Step 2: Adding the Virtual Library to the NetVault Server

The virtual library can now be added to the NetVault Server in the same manner as a traditional library device. For details on this procedure, please see the section Option 2: Manually Adding A Library on page 26 of this guide.

Section: 2.3.0

CONCLUSIONWith a backup device properly added to the NetVault Server as well as Clients added to serve as additional backup and restore targets, it is now possible to move forward to the next phase of operation, Backup and Restore. The next section of this guide covers the following:

Performing Backups - From a full backup of the NetVault Server itself to the backup of added Clients, this section will cover example backup situations as well as monitoring backup job progress. and tuning backup performance.Basic Restore Operations - Example situations including the restore of the NetVault Server, once it has been backed up.

Figure 2-22:The confirmation dialog box that

appears upon successful creation of a virtual disk device

Chapter 3:

3.0.0 - BACKUP AND RESTORE - A BRIEF OVERVIEW... 373.1.0 - PERFORMING A BACKUP........................................... 37

• 3.1.1 - Performing a Full Backup on the NetVault Server ........... 38- 3.1.1.a - Monitoring Job Status ................................................ 39- 3.1.1.b - Diagnosing Media Requests ....................................... 41

• 3.1.2 - Performing a Full Backup of a NetVault Client ................ 42• 3.1.3 - Performing an Incremental Backup ................................ 45

- 3.1.3.a - Example Incremental Backup Procedure ..................... 463.2.0 - RESTORING DATA ........................................................ 48

• 3.2.1 - Performing a Basic Restore............................................ 48- 3.2.1.a - Restoring Data to its Most Recent State....................... 50- 3.2.1.b - Restoring Data to a Specific Point in Time.................... 53

3.3.0 - ADDITIONAL NOTES ON BACKUP & RESTORE .. 54• 3.3.1 - Read the Manual ............................................................ 54• 3.3.2 - Optional Solutions ......................................................... 55

Backup and Restore

Chapter 3Backup and Restore

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Section: 3.0.0:

BACKUP AND RESTORE - A BRIEF OVERVIEWWith a backup device now successfully added to the NetVault Server as well as NetVault Client machines established to serve as additional backup and restore targets, it is now possible to perform a backup. This section offers basic examples of various types of backup operations in addition to examples of restoring these backups.

Section: 3.1.0

PERFORMING A BACKUPThis section is broken down in to various processes that should be followed in sequential order to get an overall understanding of NetVault functionality. All of the examples shown here are based on previous chapter configuration instructions (i.e., a set up consisting of a NetVault Server with an attached tape library or standalone drive as well as three NetVault Client machines added to it). The following processes are to be performed:

Step 1: Perform a Full Backup on the NetVault Server - In this procedure a full backup of a single drive on the NetVault Server is performed to test NetVault functionality and demonstrate how job progress is monitored and controlled via NetVault utilities, including the following operations:

Monitoring jobs in the Status windowDiagnosing media requests in the Device Management window

Step 2: Perform a Full Backup on a NetVault Client - This procedure is performed not only to show how a NetVault Client is backed up, but also to serve as a starting point for the Incremental backup process (as described in the next section).Step 3: Perform an Incremental Backup of a NetVault Client - With an initial Full backup performed (Step 2:, above), an Incremental Backup of the same Client will be performed.Step 4: Restoring Data - This section will briefly explain the steps required to restore data from both a stand alone Full backup as well as the required procedure for an Incremental one.


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Sub-Section: 3.1.1:

Performing a Full Backup on the NetVault ServerFirst, it is recommended that a full backup be performed on a single drive of the NetVault Server. This is accomplished through the use of NetVault’s File System Plugin, which is included with a default installation of the software.

1. From the NetVault Server, launch the Backup window from the main GUI (e.g., via either of the Backup buttons on the command toolbar, or the Backup command located in the Operations pull-down menu).

2. With the Backup window active, the Selections tab is revealed. This tab’s window will contain the NetVault Server and any previously added Client machines. Open the NetVault Server (via a double-click) to reveal the plugins available for use.

3. Locate the File System Plugin in the list and double-click on it to open it and reveal items available for selection and inclusion in a backup.

4. Select a root item in the list of selectable items (i.e., by clicking in the open box to its left, thereby marking it with a green check).

Important: Based on the Operating System (O/S) in use, root-level selectable items for the File System Plugin will vary (i.e., due to the difference in File System structures between Linux/UNIX-based and Windows-based O/S’s). The figures in this guide utilize examples from a Windows-based O/S. For details on these O/S differences, see the NetVault®: Backup Administrator’s Guide.

Figure 3-1:The Selections tab of the Backup window with a basic full backup on the NetVault

Server set up, including an item selected and a Job Title given


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5. In the Job Title field, input an appropriate name for the job. It is recommended that a specific value be given to allow for easy identification of the job in the other windows of the NetVault GUI (e.g., Logs, Status and Job Management).

6. Since this is to be a Full backup of the selected data, no Backup Options need to be set, so they should be left at their default settings in this tab.

7. The Schedule, Target and Advanced Options tabs offer extensive options for the customization of a job. For this type of backup (and for the sake of this example), they are left at their default settings. For complete details on all of their functions, please see the NetVault®: Backup Administrator’s Guide.

8. Click the Submit button to start the job and add it to the job queue (i.e., at this point, having no other NetVault Jobs active, the job will begin immediately).

Part: 3.1.1.aMonitoring Job Status

With the previous Full Backup initiated, it is then possible to monitor/administer the job in the various windows of NetVault. The following example utilizes the Status window, although NetVault offers several areas where job related information can be gathered (e.g., the Job Management and Logs windows).

Example: Job Monitoring in the Status Window

1. From the NetVault GUI, the Status window can be accessed (e.g., via either Status button on the command toolbar (large or small) or from the Status command located in the Operations pull-down menu).

2. The Status window will open to reveal multiple frames, all offering information pertaining to the various NetVault operations as they are administered by the NetVault Server. This window is one of the most useful windows for the job monitoring process. The frames in this window reveal the following information:

The Device Status Frame - The current status of an added device is displayed in this frame. Small light icons will mark each drive indicating their current status.

Green - Ready and availableYellow - Busy, currently being written to, or media is being removed from/added to.Red - There is something wrong with the drive (i.e., no media is available, the media is unreadable, etc.).


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The Client Frame - Any previously added NetVault Clients can be viewed in this frame, marked with a small monitor icon. The color of this icon determines the status of the Client in regards to its availability to the NetVault Server.

Blue - Added and availableRed - Added, but currently not available (e.g., the machine is offline, NetVault has been removed from it, etc.).

The Job Status Frame - This frame displays the state of each job for the selected NetVault Server (e.g., scheduled, currently running or finished). Based on the current state of the job, various commands can be

Important: In the event that an error is revealed in either the Devices or Clients frames, the associated window (e.g., the Device Management and Client Management windows, respectively) can be accessed for troubleshooting via its button located in the toolbar at the top of the Status window.

Client Management

Device Management

Figure 3-2:The Status window toolbar, and the buttons used to access these windows

Figure 3-3:A cut-away section of the Status window


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accessed by right-clicking on it to open a pop-up menu. This includes the ability to abort a currently running job, re-run it once it has completed, launch a separate window containing details on a running job window and even view the specific log entries generated by the job.

Part: 3.1.1.b

Diagnosing Media RequestsOn occasion, NetVault may run into issues pertaining to media availability during a running job (e.g., “Waiting for Media” messages may be displayed for a job in the Status or Job Management windows). To diagnose the cause of this issue, follow the steps below:

1. If possible, note the affected job’s Job ID or Job Title from the NetVault window being used to monitor its progress.

2. Access the Device Management window (from the main GUI, if necessary) and select the Media Requests tab.

3. Right-click on the displayed request to access a pop-up menu (if more than one media request is displayed, use the Job ID/Job Title information to locate it in the list).

4. From the pop-up menu that appears, choose Diagnose. The Diagnose Media Request dialog box will launch offering detailed information on the issue. With this information it should be possible to remedy the situation.

Important: For complete details on all of the commands available in this pop-up menu for a specific job, please see Chapter 8: The Status Window of the Administrator’s Guide.

Figure 3-4:When a job in a specific state is right-clicked on in the Job Status frame,

a pop-up menu can be accessed which contains various commands


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Sub-Section: 3.1.2:

Performing a Full Backup of a NetVault ClientNow that the process for running a Full Backup on the NetVault Server has been covered (including how to monitor job progress and diagnose media requests), the next step illustrated in this guide is to perform a Full Backup on a NetVault Client. This procedure is covered here for two purposes:

To show how to access a NetVault Client machine and conduct a backup of its data, andTo create the initial Full Backup necessary for an Incremental Backup procedure (covered in the following section).

Important: In order for this procedure to take place, the desired Client machine must first be successfully added to the NetVault Server via the Client Management window. For complete details on adding a Client, please see the section Adding Clients to the NetVault Server of Chapter 2: Devices and Clients on page 19.

Figure 3-5:The Diagnose Media dialog box as accessed from the Device Management

window


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The following steps should be followed to complete this backup:

1. From the NetVault Server, access the Backup window (via one of the methods described in the previous section).

2. With the window active, a list of machines acting as NetVault Clients will be revealed in the Selections tab, including the NetVault Server, acting as a client of itself. Locate the desired Client machine (i.e., one other than the NetVault Server) in the displayed list and double-click on it to open it.

3. The APMs/Plugins available for use on the selected Client will be revealed. For the sake of this example, the File System Plugin is used to backup data on a Client running a UNIX-based installation of NetVault. Double-click on this plugin to open it and reveal items selectable for a backup.

4. A single directory representing the system’s entire file system is initially revealed. This item can be selected to include the entire file system, or it can be double-clicked to open it and reveal individual items. For this example, the directory is opened to reveal these individual items (by double-clicking on it).

5. From the now open tree-structure, desired items can be selected (or, in the case of sub-directories, opened further) by clicking in the box to their left.

6. With the desired items selected, a Backup Selection Set is created. By doing so, selected items can be saved for future use, into a composite set (this is also necessary for the purpose of conducting an incremental backup -- as covered in the next section). Accomplish this by performing these steps:a. In the Backup Selection Set area, located at the bottom of

the Selections tab, click on the Save As button.b. The Save Backup Selection Set sub-window will launch

displaying two frames. One allows for the input of the name

Figure 3-6:The File System Plugin, opened on a Client running a UNIX-based O/S

with various items selected for a backup


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of a new Selection Set to be added (top), while the other offers a list of previously created ones (bottom). As this is the first Selection Set to be created, none will be available for selection in this frame. Input a desired name in the top frame and click on OK.

c. The sub-window will close, returning to the Selections tab. The tree of selectable items will now be reduced to reveal only those items that were previously selected and the name input for the Selection Set will be displayed in the field at the bottom of the tab.

7. In the Job Title field, input an appropriate name for the job (e.g., something referencing the Client being backed up and the fact that it is a Full Backup). This allows for easy identification of the job in the other windows of NetVault (e.g., Restore, Logs, Status and Job Management).

8. As this is intended to be a Full backup of the selected data, no Backup Options need to be set, so they should be left at their default settings.

9. The Schedule, Target and Advanced Options tabs offer extensive options for the customization of a job. For this type of backup (and for the sake of this example), they are left at their default settings. For complete details on all of their functions, please see the NetVault®: Backup Administrator’s Guide.

Figure 3-7:Clicking the Save As button from the Selections tab will access the Save Backup Selection Set window where a desired name can be input for this

Selection Set

Figure 3-8:With the Selection Set saved, the selection tree will be truncated to revealonly items that were selected and the name of the Set will be revealed in

the Backup Selection Set field


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10.Click the Submit button to start the job and add it to the job queue (i.e., at this point, having no other NetVault Jobs active, the job will begin immediately).

Sub-Section: 3.1.3:

Performing an Incremental BackupAn incremental backup allows an administrator to define a backup job in which only new or changed data is included in the job. This is accomplished by first performing a Full Backup of a selected set of data, creating a form of “starting point”. An Incremental Backup is then performed at a later time in which only data that has been added or changed since this original Full Backup is included. In addition to this, future Incremental Backups can be scheduled to accomplish either of the following:

Continue Capturing Data that is New/Changed Since the Original Full Backup - Through the selection of an Incremental Backup type from the Backup Options tab, further Incremental Backups can be scheduled to continue capturing all data that is new or changed since the original Full was performed. This form requires more time to complete, because each Incremental performed will include all data that has changed since the original Full, but it offers the shortest restore method, as it is only necessary to restore the original Full Backup followed by the desired Incremental to bring it to a specific point in time, or its most recent state.Capture Only Data that is New/Changed Since the Most Recent Backup - Through a different backup type selected from the Backup Options tab, it is possible to only capture data that is new or changed since the last backup (regardless of type - Full or Incremental).

Figure 3-9:The process of continually capturing data that is new or

changed since the original Full Backup

Figure 3-10:The process of capturing only data that is new or changed

since the last backup (regardless of type)


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This progressive form of Incremental Backup allows for the fastest overall backup, but during a restore, data must be recovered in the order these backups were performed in order to restore a system to it most recent state or a selected point in time (e.g., Full Backup first, followed by the first Incremental and then on to the second, and so on).

Part: 3.1.3.aExample Incremental Backup Procedure

In this example, an Incremental Backup is to be performed of the data backed up in the earlier section, Performing a Full Backup of a NetVault Client on page 42. This full backup procedure must be performed first, before an Incremental Backup of any type can be performed.

1. From the Selections tab of the Backup window, locate the Load button in the Backup Selection Set options and click it to access the Load Selection Set window.

2. With the window accessed, locate the desired Backup Selection Set in the list displayed and double-click on it (or select it and click on the OK button).

3. The window will close and the items previously selected for the original Full Backup will be revealed in the Selections tab and be automatically selected.

Important: Incremental Backups are not available with all Plugins/APMs in NetVault. The information above (and the following example provided) refer to NetVault’s standard File System Plugin. For complete details on the use of this Plugin and its options, please see the NetVault Administrator’s Guide.

Figure 3-11:Clicking on the Load button will launch the Load Backup Selection Set window in

which a pre-defined Selection Set can be selected for use


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4. Select the Backup Options tab and select Incremental from the Backup Type frame. With this selection, an additional frame is made available, allowing for the selection of the desired type of Incremental backup.

Changed Since Last Backup - This backup will only include data items new or changed since the last backup of any type occurred. In this instance, the first backup would only include data new or changed since the initial Full was performed and each subsequent Incremental would include data new or changed since the previous Incremental was performed.Changed Since Last FULL Backup - This will include all data items new or changed since the original Full Backup was run. Each Incremental of this type will include data new or changed since this initial Full was performed, thereby ignoring any previously performed Incrementals.

5. For the sake of this example, the Changed Since Last Backup option was selected and all other options in this tab were left at their default setting.

6. Next, the Schedule tab. From this tab, select the Repeating radial button in order to access scheduling options for the set up of a repeating job. In the accompanying field with the Every Day radial button selected, input a desired time in the Run At fields (e.g., 11:00 pm was used for this example) and input a desired start date for the scheduling to begin in the From fields (e.g., the current date).

Figure 3-12:With Incremental selected as the

Backup Type, two types of Incremental Backup can then be selected from the

Incremental Type frame

Figure 3-13:The Schedule tab with a Repeating schedule set to occur each day at 11:00 pm beginning with the date input in the From fields


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7. In the Job Title field, input a suitable name (e.g., something referencing the Client being backed up and the fact that it is an Incremental Backup).

8. Click the Submit button to start the job. Since this job has been scheduled at a specific time, it will be added to the NetVault job queue, but actually run at its scheduled time (e.g., running each night at 11:00 pm). At which time, NetVault will assign a specific Job ID to the initial job as well as individual Instance numbers each time the job is re-run nightly (allowing for tracking of a specific job in the other windows of NetVault).

Section: 3.2.0

RESTORING DATAThis section details how NetVault is used to recover data once it has been backed up with the File System Plugin. Using the previous backup examples, two types of restore are covered here:

Performing a Basic Restore - This section will cover how to restore the backup performed in the previous section, Performing a Full Backup on the NetVault Server on page 38.Performing a Restore of an Incremental Backup - This section offers an example of the recovery of data that was recorded in an Incremental backup series (i.e., the Incremental backups covered in the section, Performing an Incremental Backup on page 45).

Sub-Section: 3.2.1:

Performing a Basic RestoreThis section covers the simplest form of restore, the recovery of a single Full Backup recorded with NetVault’s File System Plugin. For this example, specific files that were backed up during the original Full Backup of the NetVault Server (as covered on page 38) are to be recovered. To accomplish this, follow the steps detailed below:

1. From the NetVault Server, launch the Restore window from the main GUI (e.g., via either of the Restore buttons on the command toolbar, or the Restore command located in the Operations pull-down menu).

2. With the Restore window active, the Selections tab is revealed. Clients that have produced successful backups will be revealed in this tab’s window. With the Full Backup of the NetVault Server

Important: Values input in the Run At fields pertain to a 24-hour clock. Ensure that the proper value is input here representing the desired time (e.g., 23:00 = 11:00 pm).


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previously completed, it will be revealed here. Locate it and double-click on it to open it.

3. The individual Plugins/APMs used to perform backups of this Client will be revealed. Locate the desired one (i.e., the File System Plugin) and double-click on it to reveal the individual backup jobs generated using this plugin (referred to as Backup Savesets).

4. With the backup savesets revealed, locate the desired one and double-click on it to open it (e.g., the NV Server Full Backup (Fixed Drives) job performed in the previous section).

5. The root level item(s) will be displayed and can be selected in order to recover the complete backup. For the sake of this example, only a few specific items are to be restored. Therefore, a root item should be opened (by double-clicking on it) to reveal its individual contents.

6. With the root item open, locate the desired item(s) and select them for inclusion (or if applicable, open further in the tree-structure by double-clicking on items to reveal individual files and other sub-directories for selection).

7. In the Job Title field, input a suitable name for the restore job that will make it easy to identify in any of the job monitoring windows of NetVault (e.g., Status, Jobs or Logs windows).

8. Click on the Submit button to start the job.

Figure 3-14:The Restore window of NetVault with a Backup Saveset opened to reveal its individual

contents and a specific one selected for recovery


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Sub-Section: 3.2.2:

Performing a Restore of an Incremental BackupThis section offers instructions on recovering from an Incremental Backup series. This process can vary based on the following:

Desired End Result - Is the recovery to be to a specific point in time or to the data’s most recent state?Type of Incremental Backup Performed - Based on the type of Incremental Backup performed, this process may require several individual restores performed to bring a system to a specific state, or as few as two.

The following sections offer examples for each of the various Incremental restore situations.

Part: 3.2.2.aRestoring Data to its Most Recent State

This section offers information on how to restore Incremental backup data to its most recently backed up state. While the procedure is very similar for both types of Incremental backup series, this section has been broken down into two examples to give a better understanding of what needs to be selected for the restore as well as what actually is recovered for each.

Important: 1. The examples and instructions given here refer exclusively to

the use of NetVault’s native File System Plugin. It is important to note that, while Incremental backup/restore strategies are essentially the same regardless of APM or plugin in use, individual tools used as well as references made to specific operations may differ. In addition, not all NetVault plugins and APMs offer the ability to perform Incremental Backups/Restores.

2. All Incremental restore procedures illustrated in the following sections require that all media used for the complete Incremental series be accessible to NetVault (I.e., in its designated device and ready for reading).


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Incremental Backup Type: Changed Since Last Backup

This refers to the restore of a series of Incremental backups that were set up using the Changed Since Last Backup Incremental backup type. In a series of this type, each subsequent backup of a selected group of data will only include data that was new or has changed since the previous backup in the series (i.e., regardless if the previous backup was the initial Full or another Incremental of this type). Put briefly, this process utilizes a “stair step” restore procedure in which each backup is sequentially restored in the order they were performed, beginning with the original Full backup, in order to restore the selected data to its most recently backed up state. If set up correctly, NetVault will conduct this “stair step” recovery automatically:

Step 1: In the Selections tab of the Restore window, locate the job pertaining to the most recently performed Changed Since Last Backup Incremental, and ignore all other Incrementals in the series. Open this job’s backup saveset and select the desired data items for a restore.Step 2: Process the job as if it were a basic restore in order to submit it (i.e., as instructed in Steps 7 - 8 of the section, Performing a Basic Restore on page 48). NetVault will access any new data recorded in this backup saveset and automatically combine it with any data from other backup savesets that make up previous Incrementals and the initial Full backup in the series. The end result will be a composite of the complete selection of data, restored to its most recently backed up state.

Figure 3-15:This procedure applies to the recovery of Incremental backups that were performed using the “Changed Since Last Backup”

Incremental backup type

All Data inSelection Set (A)

Full Backup(performed on Day 2)

Changed Since Last�Backup Incremental #3

(performed on Day 5)

Only Data New orChanged since 1stIncremental of (A)



Only Data New orChanged since 2ndIncremental of (A)



Only Data New orChanged since Full

Backup of (A)

Incremental Backup Saveset to be Selected for this Operation

Incremental Series Data Backup ProgressionBackup Type Performed

Figure 3-16:An example of a series of “Changed Since Last Backup” Incremental backups In which

the last backup of this type would be accessed to restore desired data to its most recently backed up state


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Incremental Backup Type: Changed Since Last FULL Backup

This refers to the restore of an Incremental backup that was performed using the Changed since the original FULL Backup Incremental backup type. In a backup series utilizing this type of Incremental backup, an initial Full backup is taken of a selected group of data. Each Incremental of this type performed in a series includes all new or changed data since the initial Full backup was taken. Therefore, any previous Incrementals of this type are ignored. In essence, the restore process of a series of Incrementals of this type requires only a “first and last” methodology to bring any data to its most recently backed up state. If set up properly, NetVault will automatically access all necessary data to complete this type of Incremental restore.:

Step 1: In the Selections tab of the Restore window, locate the job pertaining to the most recently performed Changed Since Last FULL Backup Incremental, and ignore all other Incrementals in the series. Open this job’s backup saveset and select the desired data items for a restore.Step 2: Process the job as if it were a basic restore in order to submit it (i.e., as instructed in Steps 7 - 8 of the section, Performing a Basic Restore on page 48). NetVault will access all new data recorded in this backup saveset and automatically combine it with the initial Full backup in the series. The end result will be a composite of the complete set of data, restored to its most recently backed up state.

Figure 3-17:This procedure applies to the recovery of Incremental backups that were performed

using the “Changed Since Last FULL Backup” Incremental backup type

All Data inSelection Set (A)

Full Backup(performed on Day 2)

Changed Since Last� FULL Backup Incremental #3


All Data New or Changedsince Full Backup of (A)

(including all data from both previous Incrementals)

Changed Since Last�FULL Backup Incremental #2


All Data New or Changedsince Full Backup of (A)

(including all data in previous Incremental)

Changed Since Last�FULL Backup Incremental #1


Only Data New orChanged since Full

Backup of (A)

Incremental Backup Saveset to be Selected for this Operation


Figure 3-18:An example of a series of “Changed Since Last FULL Backup” Incremental backups In which the last backup of this type would be accessed to restore desired data to its most

recently backed up state


53

Part: 3.2.2.bRestoring Data to a Specific Point in Time

This section offers brief details on how to restore Incremental Backup data to a determined point in time. The steps required are the same regardless of the Incremental series type (i.e., “Changed Since Last Backup” vs. “Changed Since Last FULL Backup”).

Step 1: Determine the point in time to be restored to and locate the appropriate Backup Saveset. Open it and select the desired items for a restore.Step 2: Submit the job for restore. NetVault will automatically combine all new data recorded in the selected Incremental’s backup saveset with other previously backed up data (i.e., all previous Incrementals and the initial Full in the case of a series of “Changed Since Last Backup” Incrementals; or simply with the initial Full backup in the case of a “Changed Since Last Full Backup” series).

All Data in�Selection Set (A)

Full Backup�(performed on Day 2)

�

Changed Since Last� FULL Backup Incremental #3�


All Data New or Changed�since Full Backup of (A)�

(including all data from both previous Incrementals)

Changed Since Last�FULL Backup Incremental #2�


All Data New or Changed�since Full Backup of (A)�

(including all data in previous Incremental)

Changed Since Last�FULL Backup Incremental #1�


Only Data New or�Changed since Full�

Backup of (A)

Incremental Backup Saveset Selected in this Instance


All Data in�Selection Set (A)

Full Backup�(performed on Day 2)

�

Changed Since Last�Backup Incremental #3�


Only Data New or�Changed since 1st�Incremental of (A)



Only Data New or�Changed since 2nd�Incremental of (A)



Only Data New or�Changed since Full�

Backup of (A)

Incremental Backup Saveset Selected in this Instance


Figure 3-19:From a “Changed Since Last Backup” series of Incremental backups, a specific one in the series is accessed for restore in order to recover selected data to a desired point in time

Figure 3-20:From a “Changed Since Last FULL Backup” series of Incremental backups, a specific one in the series is accessed for restore in order to recover selected data to a desired point in time


54

Section: 3.3.0

ADDITIONAL NOTES ONBACKUP & RESTOREIt is important to note that certain forms of data require either additional settings within the plugin itself or a specific piece of additional software, in order to perform a successful backup and/or restore. Among the necessary provisions for performing a successful backup and restore operation, it is recommended that the following points be taken into consideration:

Specific Settings Must be Made in the Backup/Restore Options Windows - based on the Operating System and/or Plugin/APM in use, certain file types require various options set in these tabs in order for a successful backup and/or restore to occur (e.g., valid administrator-level account and password information must be given in order to backup/restore encrypted files with the File System Plugin on a Windows 2000 system).Certain Data Can Only Be Successfully Backed Up and Restored with a Valid APM - Database applications such as Lotus Notes and Oracle require the use of an associated NetVault APM in order to successfully backup and/or restore data.Certain Operating System (O/S) Files May Not Be Successfully Backed Up from or Restored to an Active System - Due to the restraints of various Operating Systems, certain O/S-related files can not be successfully backed up from, or restored to a system that is currently up and running (e.g., various “.dll” files on a Windows-based system).

Sub-Section: 3.3.1:

Read the ManualAs this guide only offers basic examples of backup and restore operations, it is highly recommended that the relevant NetVault documentation be thoroughly reviewed to gain information on specific settings and requirements for use (e.g., the NetVault Administrator’s Guide for NetVault standard plugins or the relevant APM documentation). NetVault documentation is available on BakBone’s web site:

http://www.bakbone.com/support/product_documentation

http://bakbone.com/support/product_documentation


55

Sub-Section: 3.3.2:

Optional SolutionsNetVault offers solutions to the issues pertaining to database backup/restore and O/S-related files in the form of optional Plugin and APM software (e.g., the Microsoft SQL APM for the backup and restore of Microsoft SQL databases, or NetVault’s VaultDR system of disaster recovery plugins which can be used to backup a live system and bring it back to its most recent state, including all O/S-related files). Contact a BakBone representative for complete details.

Section: 3.4.0

CONCLUSIONWith various types of backups performed in addition to the restore of this backed up data accomplished, it is now possible to create and administer various other jobs. From this point, NetVault offers various tools that can be used to increase the performance of the software itself as well as the hardware in use in the environment (e.g., backup devices). The next section of this guide covers:

Performance Tuning - Tips on how an administrator can access the various windows of NetVault to enhance its overall performance as well as its attached devices.

Important: For BakBone contact information, please see Appendix A: Technical Support on page 69.

Chapter 4:

4.0.0 - BASIC PERFORMANCE TUNING .............................. 59• 4.0.1 - Performance - The Device Management Window ............ 59

- 4.0.1.a - An Example of Viewing Gathered Statistics .................. 624.1.0 - CONCLUSION ................................................................. 66

Basic Performance Tuning

Chapter 4Basic Performance Tuning

58


59

Section: 4.0.0:

BASIC PERFORMANCE TUNINGWith the basic procedures for a backup and restore previously covered, it is now possible to use some of the more advanced controls that NetVault offers in order to enhance the overall performance of these operations. This section provides a few examples of how to modify settings in NetVault for this purpose.

Sub-Section: 4.0.1:

Performance - The Device Management WindowThe Device Management window of Netvault can be used to enhance overall performance in several ways. Predominantly, two methods are used:

Increasing Block Size Adjust RAM Transfer Buffer Size

To accomplish both of these enhancements, follow the steps below:

1. From the NetVault Server, access the Device Management window from the NetVault GUI, via either button in the command toolbars, or select Device Management from the Administration pull-down menu). The software will then automatically scan the SCSI bus on all added NetVault Clients as well as the NetVault Server and display any added devices.

2. Locate the desired tape device in the window of the Devices tab and right-click on it to access its pop-up menu (i.e., with a Library device, right-click on one of its drives, or directly on a Standalone Device). From the list of options available, select the Configure command.

3. The Edit Drive window will appear. Based on the type of device in use, the options available in this window may vary, but select

Important: A device must have been successfully added before this process can take place.

Figure 4-1:The configure command selected from the pop-up menu accessed

when a device is right-clicked on in the Devices tab


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the Configuration tab and locate the Media Block Size (Kb) field and increase this value (in increments of 32).

4. With this value increased, larger blocks of data will now be allocated for a backup, thereby reducing the overall number of times a backup will need to read data and write it to media. The end result is a faster overall backup.

5. While still in the Edit Drive window, access the Performance tab. Locate the Amount of Memory to Assign for Transfer Buffers (Kb) field. Increase this amount from its default of 257 Kb (e.g., to 4,097 approx. 4 MB). By increasing this value, a larger amount of buffer space will be created through the use of system memory. As an end result, this increased space can be used by a NetVault job in order to speed up the overall process.

Figure 4-2:The Media Block Size (Kb) field of the Configuration tab, with its value

increased to 128Kb

Figure 4-3:The Amount of Memory to Assign For Transfer Buffers (Kb) field of the

Performance tab, with its value increased to 4096 Kb (4 MB)

Figure 4-4:A flow chart showing how shared memory is used between the NetVault Server and a tape

device -- the more memory configured for use, the faster the operation


61

6. Access the Statistics tab and select both the Gather Statistics on Device Performance and Gather Statistics on Data Channel Performance options. With both of these selected, it will now be possible to view information pertaining to these two functions via the Device Logs tab of the Device Management window.

Important: 1. The field Amount of memory to assign to transfer buffers

(Kb) is often referred to as the “shared memory setting”. Shared memory is usually allocated in 32Kb blocks. The default value in this field, 257 is actually eight buffers of 32Kb (plus a byte). Therefore, the formula used to determine a valid setting for this field is as follows:

(<Total number of buffers> x 32Kb) + 1 byte

2. Configuring total shared memory size depends on the operating system and physical memory available in the target machine. Be familiar with the memory available on a NetVault Server before attempting to increase this value.

3. The maximum allowable value in the Media Block Size (Kb) field depends on the operating system and SCSI Adapter in use. Therefore, unless configuring on an optimal machine that can handle large block size transfers, it is recommended that this value not exceed 64 Kb on a Windows-based system or 128 Kb on a Linux/UNIX-based system. If this value is set too high, NetVault operations may “hang” while attempting a data transfer.

4. Setting a large Media Block Size (Kb) value could negatively affect overall media capacity. For example, if set above the recommended value to a high value such as 512Kb, whenever a small backup is performed (e.g., text files) 512Kb of space is allocated on the tape for that specific backup, even if the intended files are considerably smaller. Therefore, only a portion of this space is used, and the rest is lost.

5. Configuration changes made in this manner in the Performance tab will only take effect on blank media. If planning to backup to a tape with existing data and these new settings are desired, the tape must be blanked first (via the Blank command accessed by right-clicking on media in the Devices tab -- please see the NetVault Administrator’s Guide for complete details on the use of this command).


62

7. With the previous settings made, click on OK to confirm and close the Edit Drive window.

8. Repeat steps 1-8 for each remaining drive (e.g., additional drives in a library or for additional standalone drives).

Part: 4.0.1.aAn Example of Viewing Gathered Statistics

This section provides an example of how statistics enabled via the new settings made in the Edit Drive window can be viewed after a backup job has completed.

1. Perform a backup job (e.g., as illustrated in any of the sections covered in the previous chapter, Backup and Restore beginning on page 35).

2. From the main window of the NetVault GUI, choose the Logs command from the Operations pull-down menu to reveal the Logs window.

Figure 4-5:Both Statistic Gathering options of the Statistics tab, selected for use

Figure 4-6:A flow chart illustrating the points in time during a backup that various

statistics are gathered by NetVault


63

3. Click the Set Filter button, located in the upper left corner of this window (or select Set Filter from the View pull-down menu) to open the Filter Options window.

4. In the Warning Levels frame, select the All radial button to display the greatest level of detail in the Logs window. Click on the OK button to close this window and return to the Logs window.

5. If an icon contains an exclamation mark, double-clicking on it will launch a dialog box which contains further details on the log entry. The points that follow cover some of the information that is revealed when NetVault Log entries, specific to any performance tuning settings that may have been made, are viewed.

Figure 4-7:NetVault Logs window

Figure 4-8:The Set Filter button

Figure 4-9:Under Warning Levels, select

the All option button


64

Data Channel Statistics Log Entry (Green Exclamation Point Icon) - In this example, a green exclamation mark icon on a “Data channel send statics” log entry was double-clicked to bring up the Data Channel Statistics dialog box. The Plugin Data Transfer Statistics (Device Side) show that the device was only blocked from receiving data from the data channel 85 times, for a total time of just over six seconds. At the bottom of this dialog box, newly configured values will be revealed, taking this blockage into account:

Block Size - This value will be displayed as the new value input during configuration in the Edit Drive tab (i.e., as set in Step 5., on page 60).Data Transferred - The value displayed here represents the total amount of data transferred during the job.Shared Memory Buffer Size - The value displayed here should be close to the new value set during configuration (i.e., as set in Step 5., on page 60). This value serves as an overall average of buffer space used (and it should be greater than it was originally).

Device Transfer Statistics Log Entry (Green Exclamation Point Icon) - In this example, a “Device transfer statistics” log entry, marked with a green exclamation mark icon was double-clicked to bring up the Device Transfer Statistics dialog box. This dialog box shows that the transfer was blocked on the device a total of

Figure 4-10:The Data Channel Statistics dialog box

Figure 4-11:The Device Transfer Statistics dialog box


65

2,344 times, for a total of 154,762 milliseconds (i.e., approx 2.5 minutes). The delays are broken down into time spans in milliseconds and a quantity for each is displayed. In this instance, it can be assumed that the backup device was the “bottle neck” in the operation.<Drive Name> Has Completed its Transfer Log Entry (Purple Exclamation Point Icon) - In this example, a “<Drive Name> has completed its transfer” log entry, marked with a purple exclamation mark icon was double-clicked to bring up the Transfer Information dialog box. This dialog box is useful in that it shows the overall length of the transfer, 2 mins 35 secs at a transfer rate of 483.10 Kbytes/sec. It also shows the device used (e.g., “1-0.0.3 (EXABYTE EXB-....)” in the example image shown above) in the Written On field as well as the name of the piece of media that the backup was written to, in the Written To field (e.g., “Media_1” in the example image shown above).

Part: 4.0.1.bThe NetVault Data Stream - A Brief Synopsis

When a NetVault APM or plugin is used, it retrieves the data from disk, then streams it into shared memory buffers. The plugin requests a shared memory buffer to send the data which it has received from disk. Once a shared memory buffer is assigned, the data is transferred and the APM/plugin gets more data from the disk, then requests another shared memory buffer, and so on.

Next, data is transferred from shared memory to the Device Manager. This is a process level transfer of data, so blocking does not occur here. Once the data transfer is complete, the Device Manager transfers the data to the tape drive via the SCSI interface.

The tape drive uses its own memory buffers. It is important to have the data being transferred at this point as fast as possible to keep the tape device streaming to receive optimum performance.

The Data Channel Statistics and the Device Transfer Statistics dialog boxes show the data transfer statistics between the shared memory and the Device Manager. The Times requested buffer shows the number of times the Device Manager requested data from the shared memory buffers. In the example shown in the first bulleted

Figure 4-12:The Transfer Information dialog box


66

point on page 64, the Device Manager requested buffers 293 times and was blocked 85 of those times. In other words, data transferred to the drive was delayed five out of 2,350 times. The total time taken by these blockages was 6,689 milliseconds (or approximately seven seconds).

The second bulleted example revealed that 2,344 blocks of data were transferred, and the total time waiting for the tape device (labelled as “Blocked on device”) was 154,762 milliseconds (or around 2.5 minutes). This could indicate that the tape drive is at optimum performance, but is not able to transfer to tape quickly enough to keep up with the data stream (e.g., due to limited network bandwidth).

The Data Channel Send Statistics and the Transfer Information dialog boxes show the send statistics and transfer information. This information represents the data transfer between an APM/plugin and the shared memory. In the figure shown in the second bulleted example on page 64, the majority of the buffer requests were blocked, which indicates that the data from the plugin was unable to access shared memory buffers frequently. The data is coming off the disk at a good rate, but the shared memory is not being emptied quickly enough by the Device Manager. This either means that the shared memory buffer sizes are too small, or the tape device/SCSI bus does not meet design specifications. If the tape drive is having trouble keeping up with the data stream, this is why so many blockages occur.

Section: 4.1.0

CONCLUSIONPerformance tuning ends the initial set up and basic running instructions for NetVault. With this and all previous steps completed, a backup schedule can be established and data restored as required. In addition to these standard data recovery operations, NetVault offers a wide array of tools and utilities designed to make the most of any data recovery environment.

S E C T I O N 2 :

Appendix

Appendix A:

A.0.0 - CONTACTING TECHNICAL SUPPORT.................... 71• A.0.1 - Helpdesk Support Lines ................................................ 71• A.0.2 - BakBone Software’s Web Site ........................................ 71

Technical Support

Appendix ATechnical Support

70


71

Section: A.0.0:

CONTACTING TECHNICAL SUPPORTBakBone Software is dedicated to providing friendly, expert advice to NetVault customers. Our highly trained professionals are available to answer questions, offer solutions to problems and generally help make the most of any NetVault purchase. Log on to BakBone’s web site, or contact the Helpdesk for more information.

Sub-Section: A.0.1:

Helpdesk Support Lines

Sub-Section: A.0.2:

BakBone Software’s Web SiteBakBone’s web site can be reached at the following address:

http://www.bakbone.com

Region ContactNorth America Telephone

1.877.955.BONE (2663)

E-mail [email protected]

Europe Telephone+44.1202.244727 +44.1202.244728

[email protected]

China Telephone+86.10.6567.3331

[email protected]

Korea Telephone+82.2.501.3062

[email protected]

Asia/Pacific Rim Telephone+81.3.5908.3517

E-mail: Multiple offices exist in our Asia, Pacific Rim district. Please contact the closest support office for assistance:

Japan Office: India Office:[email protected] [email protected]

South Pacific Office: Southeast Asia Office:[email protected] [email protected]

http://www.bakbone.com

Documents

Bakbone Netvault Backup 7.4 Getting Started Guide