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NVG-103-8.6.3-EN-01 05/28/12 Quest ® NetVault ® Backup version 8.6.3 Configuration Guide Version: Product Number: NVG-103-8.6.3-EN-01

Quest NetVault Backup 8.6.3 Configuration Guide EnglishTitle Quest_NetVault_Backup_8.6.3_Configuration_Guide_English.book Author Preeti Chettiar Created Date 5/28/2012 9:41:40 PM

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  • NVG-103-8.6.3-EN-01 05/28/12

    Quest® NetVault® Backup

    version 8.6.3

    Configuration GuideVersion: Product Number: NVG-103-8.6.3-EN-01

  • © 2012 Quest Software, Inc.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

    This guide contains proprietary information protected by copyright. The software described in this guide is furnished under a software license or nondisclosure agreement. This software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the applicable agreement. No part of this guide may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording for any purpose other than the purchaser's personal use without the written permission of Quest Software, Inc.

    The information in this document is provided in connection with Quest products. No license, express or implied, by estoppel or otherwise, to any intellectual property right is granted by this document or in connection with the sale of Quest products. EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN QUEST'S TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS SPECIFIED IN THE LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR THIS PRODUCT, QUEST ASSUMES NO LIABILITY WHATSOEVER AND DISCLAIMS ANY EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY WARRANTY RELATING TO ITS PRODUCTS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL QUEST BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION OR LOSS OF INFORMATION) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS DOCUMENT, EVEN IF QUEST HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. Quest makes no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this document and reserves the right to make changes to specifications and product descriptions at any time without notice. Quest does not make any commitment to update the information contained in this document.

    If you have any questions regarding your potential use of this material, contact:

    Quest Software World HeadquartersLEGAL Dept5 Polaris WayAliso Viejo, CA 92656email: [email protected]

    Refer to our Web site (www.quest.com) for regional and international office information.

    Patents This product is protected by U.S. Patents # 7,814,260; 7,913,043; 7,979,650; 8,086,782; 8,145,864; and 8,171,247. Protected by Japanese, E.U., French and UK patents 1615131 and 05250687.0, and German patent DE602004002858. Additional patents pending.

    Trademarks Quest, Quest Software, the Quest Software logo, Simplicity at Work, FlashRestore, and NetVault are trademarks and registered trademarks of Quest Software, Inc., and its subsidiaries. For a complete list of Quest Software's trademarks, please see http://www.quest.com/legal/trademarks.aspx. Other trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.

  • Chapter 1: Introducing Quest NetVault Backup 9

    • Quest NetVault Backup – At a Glance ............................................................................ 9• Key Benefits .................................................................................................................... 10• Feature Summary ........................................................................................................... 11• About this Document ..................................................................................................... 12• Target Audience .............................................................................................................. 12• Recommended Additional Reading .............................................................................. 12• About Quest Software .................................................................................................... 13

    - Contacting Quest Software ............................................................................................................ 13- Quest Support ................................................................................................................................ 13

    Chapter 2: Getting Started 15

    • NVBU Configurator – An Overview ............................................................................... 15• Starting NVBU Configurator .......................................................................................... 15

    - Starting NVBU Configurator on Linux/UNIX ................................................................................... 15- Starting NVBU Configurator on Mac OS X .................................................................................... 16- Starting NVBU Configurator on Windows ...................................................................................... 16

    • Remote Configurator ...................................................................................................... 17- Starting Remote Configurator ........................................................................................................ 17

    • Txtconfig .......................................................................................................................... 18

    Chapter 3: Performing Common Administrative Tasks 19

    • Viewing NVBU Service Status ....................................................................................... 19• Starting and Stopping NVBU Service ........................................................................... 19• Viewing NVBU Machine Details ..................................................................................... 20• Installing Optional Plug-ins ........................................................................................... 21• Removing Plug-ins ......................................................................................................... 22• Licensing Software ......................................................................................................... 22• Viewing License Details ................................................................................................. 23• Changing NVBU Password ............................................................................................ 23• Disabling Password-Protection for NVBU Clients ....................................................... 24

    Table of Contents

  • Table of Contents4

    • Allowing NVBU Server to Function as Client ...............................................................24

    Chapter 4: Customizing the Auditor Daemon 25

    • Auditor Daemon – An Overview .....................................................................................25• Generating Audit Logs for Failed User Requests ........................................................25• Creating a User-Defined Policy for Deleting Audit Logs .............................................26• Creating a User-Defined Schedule for Purging Audit Logs ........................................27• Disabling Automatic Purging of Audit Logs .................................................................27• Configuring Concurrent Sysop Operator Messages ...................................................28

    Chapter 5: Customizing the Device Scan Process 29

    • Device Scan Process – An Overview ............................................................................29• Configuring Device Type for Startup Device Scan .......................................................30• Disabling Startup Device Scan ......................................................................................30• Configuring Device Type for Post-Startup Device Scan ..............................................30• Disabling Post-Startup Device Scan .............................................................................31

    Chapter 6: Customizing the Job Manager Process 33

    • Job Manager – An Overview ..........................................................................................33• Configuring Keep-Alive Rate for Job Manager .............................................................33• Configuring “nvjobcreate” to Return the Job Exit Status ...........................................34

    Chapter 7: Customizing the Log Daemon 35

    • Log Daemon – An Overview ...........................................................................................35• Configuring Disk Space Alert Thresholds ....................................................................36• Creating a User-Defined Schedule for Disk Space Checks .........................................37• Disabling Disk Space Checks ........................................................................................38• Creating a User-Defined Policy for Deleting System Logs .........................................38• Creating a User-Defined Schedule for Purging System Logs .....................................40• Disabling Automatic Purging of System Logs .............................................................40• Optimizing the Log Daemon ...........................................................................................40

    Chapter 8: Customizing the Media Manager Process 43

    • Media Manager – An Overview .......................................................................................43

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    • Configuring Retention Period for Imported Backups ................................................. 44• Using Barcodes as Default Media Labels ..................................................................... 45• Setting Priority Levels for Continuation Media Requests .......................................... 45• Setting Priority Levels for Media Labeling and Blanking Requests .......................... 46• Configuring Callback Timeouts for Bulk Media Operations ....................................... 46• Setting Interval for Media Status Updates .................................................................... 47• Disabling Reuse of Read-Only Media ........................................................................... 47• Creating a User-defined Policy for Automatic Index Compression ........................... 47• Creating a User-defined Schedule for Index Compression ........................................ 48• Disabling Automatic Index Compression ..................................................................... 48• Configuring Minimum Disk Space for Index Decompression .................................... 49• Customizing the Diagnose Media Requests Window ................................................. 50• Customizing Device Related Settings .......................................................................... 50• Enabling Timeout for Source Media Requests ............................................................ 52

    Chapter 9: Customizing the Network Manager Process 53

    • Network Manager – An Overview .................................................................................. 53• Configuring Timeout Settings for Remote Connections ............................................ 54• Configuring Timeout for Inactive Connections ........................................................... 54• Configuring Keep-Alive Rate for Network Manager .................................................... 55• Configuring Availability Broadcast Interval ................................................................. 55• Configuring Availability Check Interval ........................................................................ 55• Disabling Availability Broadcasts ................................................................................. 56• Configuring Security Broadcast Interval ...................................................................... 57• Configuring Network Interfaces for Multihomed NVBU Machines ............................. 57

    - Considerations for Multihomed NVBU Machines ........................................................................... 58• Reducing Startup Delay ................................................................................................. 59• Changing the Default Port for Network Manager ......................................................... 61• Changing the Default Port for Communications Manager .......................................... 62

    Chapter 10: Customizing the Schedule Manager Process 63

    • Schedule Manager – An Overview ................................................................................ 63• Customizing NVBU Job Status Views ........................................................................... 64• Creating a User-Defined Policy for Retaining Job History ......................................... 65• Defining a Retention Period for Non-Recurring Job Definitions ................................ 65• Configuring Maximum Simultaneous Jobs .................................................................. 66

  • Table of Contents6

    • Including Report Jobs in the Job Views .......................................................................66• Including Restore and Report Jobs in Policy Views ....................................................66• Configuring Job Priority .................................................................................................67

    Chapter 11: Configuring Shared Memory Settings 69

    • Process Manager – An Overview ...................................................................................69• Tuning Shared Memory Allocation ................................................................................69

    Chapter 12: Configuring NVBU for Firewalls 71

    • Firewall Settings – An Overview ....................................................................................71- Firewall Considerations .................................................................................................................. 72

    • Configuring Firewall Settings on NVBU Machines ......................................................73• Defining Filtering Rules on the Firewall ........................................................................74

    Chapter 13: Configuring Plug-in Options 75

    • Configuring Disk Devices Plug-in ..................................................................................75- Configuring Disk Space Margins for VTLs ..................................................................................... 75- Disabling Disk Space Checks for VTLs ......................................................................................... 76- Creating VTLs with Entry/Exit Ports ............................................................................................... 76

    • Configuring Verify Plug-in ..............................................................................................77- Performing Backup Verification Locally for All Clients ................................................................... 77- Configuring a Default Client for Backup Verification ...................................................................... 77- Defining Clients Which Run Verification Job Locally .................................................................... 78

    • Other Subtabs on the Plugin Options Tab ....................................................................78• Configuring Quest NetVault Backup Plug-in for Encryption .......................................79

    Chapter 14: Configuring NVBU Notification Settings 81

    • Events and Notification Methods – An Overview .........................................................81• Configuring Mail Server for Event Notifications ..........................................................82• Configuring Recipients for Email Notifications ...........................................................83• Configuring a Default Printer on Windows ...................................................................83

    Chapter 15: Customizing the NVBU Console 85

    • Configuring Refresh Rates .............................................................................................85

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    • Configuring Custom Color Codes for Job Status ........................................................ 86• Customizing NVBU Logs Window ................................................................................. 88• Disabling NVBU Logs Window ...................................................................................... 88• Customizing Device Log Views ..................................................................................... 89• Hiding Device Logs ........................................................................................................ 89• Configuring View-Levels for Mac OS X ....................................................................... 90

    Chapter 16: Configuring General Settings for NVBU 91

    • Relocating Logs and NVDB Directories ....................................................................... 91• Tuning TCP/IP Buffer Sizes ............................................................................................ 93• Disabling Pre-installation Compatibility Checks for Packages .................................. 94• Removing Target Set Checks for Duplication Jobs .................................................... 94

    Chapter 17: Configuring the Reporting System 97

    • NVBU Reporting System – An Overview ...................................................................... 98• Statistics Manager and Reports Database Manager – An Overview .......................... 98• Customizing the Output Format .................................................................................... 99

    - Customizing the HTML Output Format .......................................................................................... 99- Customizing the Plain Text Output Format .................................................................................. 101- Customizing the CSV Output Format ........................................................................................... 102

    • Configuring the Default Output Format for User-defined Components 104

    • Configuring the Filter View .......................................................................................... 104• Configuring the Retention Period for Historic Reports ............................................ 105• Enabling “Keep Filtered Out Records” for All Reports ............................................. 105• Customizing Statistics Manager ................................................................................ 106• Configuring Statistics Collection and Transmission Parameters ............................ 107• Disabling Statistics Collection on an NVBU Client .................................................... 108• Creating User-defined Purge Policies ........................................................................ 108

    - Creating a Global Policy for Purging the Reports Database ........................................................ 108- Creating a User-defined Schedule for Purging Report Tables ..................................................... 109- Disabling Global Purge Policy for Reports Database .................................................................. 110- Creating a Table-Specific Purge Policy for “Default” Table ......................................................... 110- Creating a Table-Specific Purge Policy for Report Tables ........................................................... 111- Applying Global Purge Policy to Individual Report Tables ........................................................... 113

    • Configuring a Default Browser on Linux/UNIX .......................................................... 114

  • Table of Contents8

    Chapter 18: Configuring Language Settings for NVBU 115

    • Changing Locale Setting ..............................................................................................115• Correcting Locale Changes ..........................................................................................116• Disabling Post-Installation Locale Changes ...............................................................117• Configuring Display Properties for Localized Versions ............................................117

    - Changing the Font Size for NVBU Console ................................................................................. 117- Changing the Date Format ........................................................................................................... 118

    Chapter 19: Setting Up a BakBone Time Server 119

    • BakBone Time – An Overview ......................................................................................119• Configuring an Alternate BakBone Time Server ........................................................119

    Chapter 20: Using the Trace Tool 121

    • Trace Logs – An Overview ............................................................................................121- Trace Levels ................................................................................................................................ 121- Date and Time in Trace Files ....................................................................................................... 122

    • Setting Trace Levels ......................................................................................................122• Enabling Tracing ...........................................................................................................124• Disabling Tracing ..........................................................................................................125• Enabling Circular Logging of Trace Messages ..........................................................125

    Chapter 21: Using the Txtconfig Tool 127

    • Txtconfig – An Overview ..............................................................................................127• Starting Txtconfig ..........................................................................................................127• Customizing the Default Settings Using Txtconfig ....................................................128• Examples ........................................................................................................................129

    - Customizing the Auditor Daemon to Log Failed User Requests .................................................. 129- Creating a Size-based Purge Policy for Audit Logs ..................................................................... 129- Customizing the Purge Schedule for Audit Logs ......................................................................... 130

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    Chapter 1:

    INTRODUCING QUESTNETVAULT BACKUP

    Quest NetVault Backup – At a GlanceKey BenefitsFeature SummaryAbout this DocumentTarget AudienceRecommended Additional ReadingAbout Quest Software

    Contacting Quest SoftwareQuest Support

    1.1.0 Quest NetVault Backup – At a GlanceQuest NetVault Backup (NetVault Backup or NVBU) offers the most advanced, cross-platform data protection capabilities along with unsurpassed ease of use, out-of-the-box deployment and pain-free scalability. NetVault Backup allows you to safeguard your data and applications in both physical and virtual environments from one intuitive console. With the NetVault Backup Plug-ins, you are not required to understand storage, database or email internals. You select the backup strategy that best fits your database or email environment, and then just point and click. This enterprise-level software does not require you to be an expert, but has the flexibility to tune it as you want.

    NVBU is engineered to keep up with the organizational changes and let you make choices that are best for your company. For example, if an organizational merger takes place or a key department acquires a major application that requires a different platform, that is no problem with NVBU’s heterogeneous server and extensive application support. The freedom of choice continues with the powerful disk-based data protection product, Quest NetVault SmartDisk (NetVault SmartDisk or NVSD) and its deduplication option which provides seamless integration with NVBU to allow you to be in control of which data should be deduplicated and which should not without restricting you to specific types of storage drives and appliances. Additionally, administrators have increased choice including the ability to copy or move data between NVSD Instances, to Virtual Tape Library (VTL) or tape-based devices in order to place redundant backups at offsite locations for failover and disaster recovery purposes. You can select your

  • Chapter 1Introducing Quest NetVault Backup

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    backup device of choice from a very large list of supported Network Attached Storage (NAS), VTL and tape systems. You decide when and where to encrypt to reduce backup windows while still meeting regulatory requirements. You can deploy and protect physical or virtual machines. With the NVBU Plug-ins, you easily select the best backup method to protect all the popular operating systems, messaging and database applications. NVBU SmartClient gives you the freedom to attach virtual and physical tape devices where you want to.

    NVBU is architected to protect and leverage existing investments in data protection while making necessary changes and upgrades to support the growth and health of your organization. NVBU’s ability to efficiently scale from small installations to very large global companies means you would not be penalized by being forced to rip and replace your data protection infrastructure just because your organization is successful and growing. NetVault SmartDisk integrates with NVBU to shrink backup windows and reduce storage costs with its post-process deduplication option which can be scheduled outside the backup window. Your investment in storage systems is protected through automated access to hundreds of different storage devices. You avoid vendor lock-in by taking advantage of NVBU’s heterogeneous server support as well as powerful messaging, database and virtualization protection options. With NVBU, you protect your vital IT assets because you can still recover your data even in a worst case scenario in which you only have your backup media, but no NVBU database. Plus, you can redeploy into a different operating system for an emergency recovery.

    1.2.0 Key BenefitsIntuitive interface requiring only minimal experience to operateSimple, out-of-the-box deployment for fast time to valueProtection for both physical and virtual environments for cost savingsHeterogeneous server support for flexibility to adjust to changing conditions or emergenciesPlug-in options to tailor NetVault Backup to your environmentDisk-based backup and de-duplication to significantly improve storage efficiencyComprehensive Network Attached Storage (NAS) protection to safeguard critical dataPowerful, flexible encryption when and where you need itBare metal recovery to drastically reduce the time it takes to recover a failed disk driveExtensive storage attachment options allow for distributed backup targets and workload

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    Dynamic device sharing to optimize backup data transfers and reduce points of failure

    1.3.0 Feature SummaryDisk-Based Backup and Deduplication – Leverage disk-based and tape backups for creating on-site and off-site backups for failover and disaster recovery. You can also add NetVault SmartDisk to the backup solution for post-process data deduplication. NVSD uses patented byte-level, variable block data analysis technology to reduce data storage footprints by up to 90%.Virtualization Support – Extend advanced data protection to VMware and Hyper-V environments. A NetVault Backup plug-in gives you consistent, reliable, point-and-click backup and restore for virtual environments without requiring you to be an expert.Application Protection – Ensure availability of business-critical applications such as Oracle, SQL Server, Exchange, SharePoint, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Domino, Informix and Sybase with application plug-ins. These plug-ins complement native solutions to save you time on integration – no scripting is required to run backup and recovery jobs.Network Attached Storage Protection – Safeguard NAS data directly on a locally attached SCSI device, a SAN-attached device (tape or VTL) or a storage device elsewhere on the network.Enterprise-Wide Control – Give backup administrators the flexibility to define, manage and monitor jobs from remote locations of their choice. NetVault Backup’s automated features for global event notification and policy-based job management simplify their tasks across heterogeneous storage networks.Strong Security – Meet regulatory requirements without sacrificing backup windows or deduplication performance with an encryption plug-in for CAST-128, AES-256 or CAST-256 algorithm support. Flexible job-level encryption lets you easily select which data to encrypt.Flexible Storage Attachment – Attach storage wherever you like with the built-in NetVault Backup SmartClient. It allows you to easily distribute both real and virtual backup target workloads throughout the backup domain.Dynamically Shared Device – Share stand-alone and library-based tape drives among backup servers and SmartClients in SAN or shared-SCSI environments. This allows you to optimize workloads and maximize your equipment investments.

  • Chapter 1Introducing Quest NetVault Backup

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    LAN-Free Backups – Create a LAN-free backup environment to support writing backup data directly to locally and SAN-attached storage devices. This keeps backup traffic away from the LAN and eliminates network bandwidth constraints.

    1.4.0 About this DocumentThe default factory settings for NVBU can be customized to suit your environment using the NetVault Backup Configurator. This guide explains how to use the NetVault Backup Configurator to change the preferences and default settings for NVBU. It does not provide information on NetVault Backup features and functionality. For details on using NetVault Backup, refer to the Quest NetVault Backup Administrator’s Guide.

    1.5.0 Target AudienceThis guide is intended for Backup Administrators and other technical personnel who are responsible for implementing and managing an NVBU System. A good understanding of the operating systems under which the NVBU Server and Clients are running is assumed.

    1.6.0 Recommended Additional ReadingQuest NetVault Backup Installation Guide – This guide provides complete details on installing the NetVault Backup Server and Client software. Quest NetVault Backup Administrator’s Guide – This guide describes how to use NetVault Backup and provides comprehensive information on all NetVault Backup features and functionality.Quest NetVault Backup Command Line Interface Reference Guide – This guide provides detailed description of the command line utilities.Quest NetVault Backup Workstation Client Administrator’s Guide – This guide provides complete information on administering the NetVault Backup Workstation Client software.Quest NetVault Backup Workstation Client User’s Guide – This guide provides complete information on using the NetVault Backup Workstation Client software.

    You can download these guides from the Quest website at the following address:

    https://support.quest.com/Search/SearchDownloads.aspx

  • Quest NetVault BackupConfiguration Guide

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    1.7.0 About Quest SoftwareEstablished in 1987, Quest Software (Nasdaq: QSFT) provides simple and innovative IT management solutions that enable more than 100,000 global customers to save time and money across physical and virtual environments. Quest products solve complex IT challenges ranging from database management, data protection, identity and access management, monitoring, user workspace management to Windows management. For more information, visit www.quest.com.

    1.7.1 Contacting Quest Software

    For regional and international office information, refer to the web site.

    1.7.2 Quest SupportQuest Support is available to customers who have a trial version of a Quest product or who have purchased a Quest product and have a valid maintenance contract. Quest Support provides unlimited 24x7 access to our Support Portal at www.quest.com/support.

    From our Support Portal, you can do the following:

    Retrieve thousands of solutions from our Knowledge BaseDownload the latest releases and service packsCreate, update and review Support cases

    View the Global Support Guide for a detailed explanation of support programs, online services, contact information, policies and procedures.

    The guide is available at www.quest.com/support.

    This guide is available in English only.

    Email: [email protected]

    Mail: Quest Software, Inc.World Headquarters5 Polaris WayAliso Viejo, CA 92656USA

    Web site: www.quest.com

    http://www.quest.com/database-management/http://www.quest.com/data-protection/http://www.quest.com/identity-management/http://www.quest.com/foglight/http://www.quest.com/workspace/http://www.quest.com/workspace/http://www.quest.com/windows-management/

  • Chapter 1Introducing Quest NetVault Backup

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    Chapter 2:

    GETTING STARTEDNVBU Configurator – An OverviewStarting NVBU Configurator

    Starting NVBU Configurator on Linux/UNIXStarting NVBU Configurator on Mac OS XStarting NVBU Configurator on Windows

    Remote ConfiguratorStarting Remote Configurator

    Txtconfig

    2.1.0 NVBU Configurator – An OverviewNVBU Configurator (Configurator) is a built-in configuration utility available with both the NVBU Server and Client installations. It provides an easy-to-use graphical user interface to change the preferences and default settings, and customize NVBU to suit your environment.

    The executable file for the Configurator is named nvconfigurator and resides in the ...\bin directory (where ... represents the NVBU installation directory).

    2.2.0 Starting NVBU Configurator

    2.2.1 Starting NVBU Configurator on Linux/UNIXTo start the Configurator on Linux/UNIX platforms

    1. Log on to the system with root user privileges.2. Start a terminal session, and type:

    nvconfigurator

    Alternatively, add ampersand (&) for an open prompt:nvconfigurator &

    You can issue this command from any directory.

  • Chapter 2Getting Started

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    2.2.2 Starting NVBU Configurator on Mac OS XOn Mac OS X, NVBU provides two versions of the Configurator:

    Built-in Version of NVBU Configurator – The built-in version of NVBU Configurator is provided as the Settings pane on the NVBU Administrator Console (NVAdmin). This version is provided for the native Mac OS X interface, and offers limited functionality. For details on the Settings pane, refer to the Quest NetVault Backup Administrator’s Guide for Mac OS X.X11 Version of NVBU Configurator – The X11 version of NVBU Configurator is called NVConfigurator. It is a separate application and offers full functionality. To access the X11 version of NVBU Configurator on Mac OS Xa. From the Finder, access Applications.b. Locate NVConfigurator, and double-click it.

    2.2.3 Starting NVBU Configurator on WindowsTo start the Configurator on Windows

    1. Log on to the system with administrator privileges.2. Click Start on the taskbar.3. Point to Programs, point to Quest Software, point to NetVault Backup, and

    then click NVBU Configurator.Figure 2-1:

    NVBUConfigurator

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    2.3.0 Remote ConfiguratorThe Configurator can be accessed from another NVBU machine to remotely configure the preferences and default settings for NVBU. This utility is called the Remote Configurator. For example, you can use the Remote Configurator on the NVBU Server to apply new configuration settings to a client residing in a different geographical location.

    The Remote Configurator can be accessed from the NVBU Console, and is available on both the NVBU Server and Client. However, it offers limited functionality, and does not allow you to configure all NVBU settings.

    2.3.1 Starting Remote ConfiguratorTo start the Remote Configurator

    1. Start the NVBU Console on the local machine, and open the NVBU Client Management window. To open this window:

    Click Client Management on the toolbar or Large Buttons panel– or –On the Administration menu, click Client Management.

    2. In the Clients list, right-click the remote NVBU machine, and select Configure. This will start the Remote Configurator.

    Figure 2-2:Remote

    Configurator

  • Chapter 2Getting Started

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    2.4.0 TxtconfigNVBU also provides a text version of the Configurator, called Txtconfig. Txtconfig can be used to customize NVBU on machines that do not support a GUI. For details on Txtconfig, refer to Using the Txtconfig Tool on page 127.

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    Chapter 3:

    PERFORMING COMMONADMINISTRATIVE TASKS

    Viewing NVBU Service StatusStarting and Stopping NVBU ServiceViewing NVBU Machine DetailsInstalling Optional Plug-insRemoving Plug-insLicensing SoftwareViewing License DetailsChanging NVBU PasswordDisabling Password-Protection for NVBU ClientsAllowing NVBU Server to Function as Client

    3.1.0 Viewing NVBU Service StatusTo view the current status of the NVBU Service

    1. Click the Service tab on the Configurator. The Current Status is displayed at the top as a read-only string.

    2. Click another tab or exit Configurator, as required.

    3.2.0 Starting and Stopping NVBU ServiceThe NVBU Service is configured to start automatically when the software installation completes on the NVBU Server and Client machines. In case you want to manually stop or start the NVBU Server, use the following steps:

    1. Click the Service tab on the Configurator.2. Select the applicable action:

    To stop the NVBU Service, click Stop Service.To start the NVBU Service, click Start Service.

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    Figure 3-1:Service tab

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

    3.3.0 Viewing NVBU Machine DetailsTo view the NVBU machine details

    1. Click the Machine tab on the NVBU Configurator. Note that this tab is selected by default when you start the NVBU Configurator.

    2. The Machine tab provides the following details: Figure 3-2:

    Machine tab

    Machine Name – The NVBU name of the machine.Machine ID – The Machine ID that is used for licensing NVBU.Network Name(s) – The Network name of the machine.

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    IP Address(es) – The IP address or addresses assigned to the machine.Version – The NVBU version and build number.O.S. Version – The version of the O/S running on the machine.Platform – The O/S platform.

    3. Click another tab or exit Configurator, as required.

    3.4.0 Installing Optional Plug-insNVBU provides various optional plug-ins which must be procured and installed separately. You can use either the NVBU Console or the Configurator to install these plug-ins.

    To install an optional plug-in module using the Configurator

    1. Click the Packages tab on the Configurator.Figure 3-3:

    Packages tab

    2. Click Install Software to start the package installation wizard.3. Click Next, and follow the wizard as it takes you through the installation

    steps.4. In the Enter Install File Name window, provide the absolute file path for the

    binary on the installation CD or the directory to which the file was downloaded from Quest Software's web site. Alternatively, click Browse, and navigate to the location of the installation file for the plug-in that you want to install.

    5. Click Next.

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    6. The Details window will display the package details. Click Next to start the installation process. On completion, a message will be displayed. Click OK to close the dialog box.

    3.5.0 Removing Plug-insTo remove a plug-in using the Configurator

    1. Click the Packages tab on the Configurator.2. In the Installed Packages list, select the plug-in that you want to remove.3. Click Remove Software.4. In the confirmation dialog, click OK to proceed. On completion, a message

    will be displayed. Click OK to close the dialog box.

    3.6.0 Licensing SoftwareThe evaluation license for NVBU is valid for a period of 30 days. To continue using the software after the expiry of the evaluation period, you must install the permanent license keys for the NVBU Server and all installed plug-ins. The permanent license keys can be requested at https://support.quest.com/LicenseKey.aspx. You can either use the NVBU Console or the Configurator to install these license keys.

    To install the permanent license keys using NVBU Configurator

    1. Click the License tab on the Configurator. Figure 3-4:License tab

    2. Enter (or copy/paste) the license key in the Add New Key box.

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    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

    3.7.0 Viewing License DetailsTo view the license details for NVBU

    1. Click the License tab on the Configurator. 2. This tab provides the following details:

    Server Capabilities – Under Server Capabilities, the Configurator displays the number of available licenses for NVBU Clients, SmartClients, physical and virtual backup devices, and other NetVault Backup components.Serial Numbers of Applied Keys – Under Serial Numbers of Applied Keys, the Configurator displays the details of applied license keys. Note the following:

    The plug-in licences will only be displayed on the NVBU Client on which it is installed. It will not be displayed on the NVBU Server.

    3. Click another tab or exit Configurator, as required.

    3.8.0 Changing NVBU PasswordTo change the NVBU Server or Client password

    1. Click the Security tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameters:

    Figure 3-5:Security tab

    New Password – Enter the new password for NVBU. The password cannot contain , &, # or | characters.Confirm Password – Re-enter the password for confirmation.

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

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    3.9.0 Disabling Password-Protection for NVBU ClientsThe password-protection for an NVBU Client can be disabled temporarily so that a Heterogeneous or Workstation Client can be added or accessed without its password.

    To disable password-protection for an NVBU Client

    1. Click the Security tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameter:

    Disable Security – Select this check box.3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click

    Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

    3.10.0 Allowing NVBU Server to Function as ClientBy default, NVBU does not allow you to add an NVBU Server as a Client to another NVBU Domain. To allow an NVBU Server to function as a client, complete the following steps:

    1. Click the Security tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameter:

    This Machine May be Added as a Client to a Server – Select this check box on the NVBU Server.

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

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    Chapter 4:

    CUSTOMIZING THE AUDITORDAEMON

    Auditor Daemon – An OverviewGenerating Audit Logs for Failed User RequestsCreating a User-Defined Policy for Deleting Audit LogsCreating a User-Defined Schedule for Purging Audit LogsDisabling Automatic Purging of Audit LogsConfiguring Concurrent Sysop Operator Messages

    4.1.0 Auditor Daemon – An OverviewThe Auditor Daemon (nvavp) runs on the NVBU Server. This process tracks and controls user activities. It validates each user request, and depending on the user privileges, grants or denies the request. The Auditor records these events in the audit log, which is also known as the Audit Trail. The audit log is named audit.bin and resides in the ...\db directory (where ... represents the NVBU installation directory). You can view these logs using the NVBU Audit Trail report. For details on the Audit Trail report, refer to the Quest NetVault Backup Administrator’s Guide.

    By default, the Auditor logs each user activity regardless of whether the request is granted or denied. It automatically deletes the logs that are older than 31 days. You can customize the Auditor to log only failed user requests, or create a user-defined policy for deleting audit logs. The default behavior and properties of the Auditor can be changed from the Auditing tab on the Configurator.

    4.2.0 Generating Audit Logs for Failed User RequestsBy default, the Auditor logs each user request, regardless of whether the request is granted or denied. To override this behavior and generate audit logs only for the failed user requests, use the following steps:

    1. Click the Auditing tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameter:

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    Figure 4-1:Auditing tab

    Only Record Failed Requests in the Audit Trail – Select this check box.

    Note: The NVBU Service must be restarted to apply any changes to this setting.

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

    4.3.0 Creating a User-Defined Policy for Deleting Audit LogsThe Auditor uses a default policy to delete obsolete logs, and accordingly deletes all audit logs that are older than 31 days. You can override this behavior with one of the following types of user-defined policies:

    Age-Based Purge Policy – Select this policy type to delete logs that older than a certain number of days.Size-Based Purge Policy – Select this policy type to delete logs when the file exceeds a certain size.

    To create a user-defined policy for automatically deleting audit logs

    1. Click the Auditing tab on the Configurator.2. Select one of the following methods:

    a. Age-Based Purge Policy – For a purge policy based on the log age, configure the following parameters:1. In the Purge Type list, select By Age.2. In Purge Entries That are Older Than, enter or select the maximum

    age for the audit logs. The log age is specified in number of days. By default, this parameter is set to 31 days.

    b. Size-Based Purge Policy – For a purge policy based on the log file size, configure the following parameters:1. In the Purge Type list, select By Size.2. In Purge When Trail Exceeds, enter or select the maximum file size

    for the audit trail. The file size is specified in MB. By default, this parameter is set to10MB.

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    3. By default, automatic purging occurs very 24 hours. To change this schedule, refer to Creating a User-Defined Schedule for Purging Audit Logs on page 27.

    4. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

    4.4.0 Creating a User-Defined Schedule for Purging Audit LogsBy default, automatic purging occurs every 24 hours. To create a user-defined schedule for purging audit logs, use the following steps:

    1. Click the Auditing tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameter:

    Time Interval Between Purges – Enter or select the time interval between two purge events. The time interval is specified in number of hours.

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

    4.5.0 Disabling Automatic Purging of Audit LogsTo disable automatic purging of audit logs

    1. Click the Auditing tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameter:

    Purge Type – In the Purge Type list, select None3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click

    Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

    Warning: The audit logs can consume a considerable amount of disk space. Therefore, periodic purging of the logs is necessary. Since you cannot purge the audit logs manually, it is recommended that you do not disable the automatic purging of audit logs.

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    4.6.0 Configuring Concurrent Sysop Operator MessagesIf you set up the Sysop Operator Message notification method for several events and these events are raised repeatedly in NVBU, the process manager may eventually run out of available resources and hang. To prevent this, NVBU limits the number of simultaneous notifications that are started on a system. If any new notification causes the count of active notifications to exceed the configured limit, NVBU will discard it with the following Operator Message in the NVBU Status window:

    Too many simultaneous notifications. Refusing further notifications

    The Auditor Daemon will not relay any other notification until the count of active notifications falls below the defined limit. By default, this count is set at 5.

    To change the count of active notifications

    1. Click the Auditing tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameter:

    Maximum Simultaneously Active Notifications – Enter or select the value. You can set it between 1 and 20.

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

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    Chapter 5:

    CUSTOMIZING THE DEVICESCAN PROCESS

    Device Scan Process – An OverviewConfiguring Device Type for Startup Device ScanDisabling Startup Device ScanConfiguring Device Type for Post-Startup Device ScanDisabling Post-Startup Device Scan

    5.1.0 Device Scan Process – An OverviewThe Device Scan process (nvdevicescan) runs on the NVBU Server and SmartClients. This process enables automatic configuration of backup devices. It scans for locally-attached libraries and standalone drives on an NVBU machine. It can recognize devices manufactured by several vendors, although not all. The devices found can be added using the Automatic Device Configuration wizard. The Device Scan process is initiated during the following events:

    NVBU Startup – Device Scan is configured to start automatically when you start the NVBU Service on a machine. It scans the hardware for new devices on the SCSI bus or attached to NDMP Filers. Since scanning for new physical devices can take a while to complete, you can disable device scan during NVBU startup or restrict the type of device it scans for.Post-Startup – Device Scan is also initiated when you open the NVBU Device Management window. It scans for new devices which are currently not added to the NVBU Server. You can disable this feature if no new hardware has been added, or configure the type of device it scans for.

    The settings for Device Scan can be changed from the Device Scan and GUI –> Devices tabs on the Configurator.

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    5.2.0 Configuring Device Type for Startup Device ScanBy default, the Device Scan process scans for both libraries and standalone devices at the start of the day (NVBU startup). To configure the type of device it scans for during NVBU startup, use the following steps:

    1. Click the Device Scan tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameter:

    Figure 5-1:Device Scan

    tab

    Scan for Devices at Start of Day – The default value for the Scan for Devices At Start of Day parameter is Both. To scan for a particular type of device, select one of the following in the list:

    Drives – Select Drives to only scan for standalone drives.Libraries – Select Libraries to only scan for libraries.

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

    5.3.0 Disabling Startup Device ScanTo disable device scan during NVBU startup

    1. Click the Device Scan tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameter:

    Scan for Devices at Start of Day – Select Neither in the Scan for Devices At Start of Day list.

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

    5.4.0 Configuring Device Type for Post-Startup Device ScanBy default, the Device Scan process only scans for libraries when you open the NVBU Device Management window. To configure the type of device it scans for during this event, use the following steps:

    1. Click the GUI tab on the Configurator.2. Click the Devices subtab.

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    3. Configure the following parameter:Figure 5-2:

    Devicessubtab on GUI

    tab

    Enable Automatic Device Scanning – The default value for this parameter is Libraries. To scan for all devices, select Libraries and Drives in the Enable Automatic Device Scanning list.

    4. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

    5.5.0 Disabling Post-Startup Device ScanTo disable device scan when you open the NVBU Device Management window

    1. Click the GUI tab on the Configurator.2. Click the Devices subtab.3. Configure the following parameter:

    Figure 5-3:Devices

    subtab on GUItab

    Enable Automatic Device Scanning – Select Neither in this list.4. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click

    Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

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    Chapter 6:

    CUSTOMIZING THE JOBMANAGER PROCESS

    Job Manager – An OverviewConfiguring Keep-Alive Rate for Job ManagerConfiguring “nvjobcreate” to Return the Job Exit Status

    6.1.0 Job Manager – An OverviewThe Job Manager process (nvjobmgr) runs on the NVBU Server and manages the execution of a job. This process is initiated by the Schedule Manager. A single instance of Job Manager runs for each job until the completion of a job. The Job Manager reports on the job state changes and the exit status of a job. It coordinates with the Data Plug-in and fetches the required information from the NVBU Server. It is also responsible for sending drive and media requests to the Media Manager process. You can change the default settings for the Job Manager from the Job Manager tab on the Configurator.

    6.2.0 Configuring Keep-Alive Rate for Job ManagerThe Keep-Alive messages are used to verify that a connection between two NVBU machines is still intact. The Keep Alive Rate for Job Manager controls how often keep-alive messages are sent between the Job Manager running on the NVBU Server and the Data Plug-in running on an NVBU Client. The default interval for keep-alive messages for Job Manager is 5 minutes.

    To change keep-alive rate setting

    1. Click the Job Manager tab on the Configurator.2. On the Timeouts subtab, configure the following parameter:

    Figure 6-1:Timeouts sub

    tab on JobManager tab

    Keep Alive Rate – Enter or select an interval for keep-alive messages. The keep-alive rate is set in number of minutes. The default value for this parameter is 5 minutes.

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    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

    6.3.0 Configuring “nvjobcreate” to Return the Job Exit StatusBy default, the nvjobcreate command will return the Job ID on success and “0” on failure. To configure the utility to return the exit code instead of the Job ID, perform the following steps.

    1. Click the Job Manager tab on the Configurator.2. Click the Status subtab, and configure the following parameter:

    Figure 6-2:Status subtab

    on JobManager tab

    CLI Utility nvjobcreate Will Return Exit Status – By default, the nvjobcreate command will return the Job ID on success and “0” on failure. When you select this check box, it will return “0” on success and “1” on failure. To determine the Job ID when the nvjobcreate command has been configured to return the exit status, you can use the -jobidfile option with nvjobcreate to output the Job ID to a specified file. For details on the nvjobcreate command, refer toQuest NetVault Backup Command Line Interface Reference Guide.

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

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    Chapter 7:

    CUSTOMIZING THE LOGDAEMON

    Log Daemon – An OverviewConfiguring Disk Space Alert ThresholdsCreating a User-Defined Schedule for Disk Space ChecksDisabling Disk Space ChecksCreating a User-Defined Policy for Deleting System LogsCreating a User-Defined Schedule for Purging System LogsDisabling Automatic Purging of System LogsOptimizing the Log Daemon

    7.1.0 Log Daemon – An OverviewThe Log Daemon (nvlogdaemon) runs on the NVBU Server and performs the following functions:

    Records System Logs – The Log Daemon manages the system logs generated by various NVBU processes and writes them to log files. System logs are useful in tracking activities and troubleshooting problems. The system logs reside in the ...\Logs directory on the NVBU Server (where ... represents the NVBU installation directory). This directory can be relocated using Configurator. For details, refer to Relocating Logs and NVDB Directories on page 91. The log files are stored in binary format and named log-0, log-1, log-2, etc. The Log Daemon always reserves space for logs by creating a blank file. For example, when log-0 becomes full, it creates log-2 before opening log-1 for recording events. Log-0 and log-1 are created during NVBU installation. To make sure that the system logs do not continue to accumulate and consume disk space, the Log Daemon automatically deletes them after 30 days. You can change this behavior with a user-defined policy, or delete the system logs manually.

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    Performs Periodic Disk Space Checks – The Log Daemon performs periodic disk space checks, and issue alerts when the space usage reaches the defined warning or critical threshold. The disk space check applies to the following NVBU directories:

    HomeDatabaseLogsReports

    By default, the disk space check is scheduled to run every hour. You can reschedule or disable this event using the Configurator.

    The default behavior and properties of the Log Daemon can be changed from the Logging Daemon tab on the Configurator.

    7.2.0 Configuring Disk Space Alert ThresholdsNVBU defines two alert thresholds for disk space usage levels – Warning and Critical. These thresholds are defined as Percent Full of Total Disk Space, and set at 85 and 95 percent, respectively.

    To change the warning or critical disk space threshold values

    1. Click the Logging Daemon tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameters:

    Figure 7-1:Logging

    Daemon tab

    Note: The NVBU Service must be restarted to apply any changes to the Warning and Critical threshold values.

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    a. Disk Space Warning Threshold – Enter or select the disk usage level for warning threshold. It is set at 85 percent full of total space by default. When space usage reaches the warning threshold, the following events occur:

    The Log Daemon reports an error.The Auditor logs a sysop operator message which is displayed under Operator Messages on the NVBU Status window.NVBU raises the Home Drive Becoming Full event under the Logging Daemon event class. You can configure one or more global notification methods to generate and receive notification when this event is raised. For details, refer to the Quest NetVault Backup Administrator’s Guide.

    b. Disk Space Critical Threshold – Enter or select the disk usage level for critical threshold. It is set at 95 percent full of total space by default. When space usage reaches the critical threshold, the following events occur:

    NVBU sends an error message to Event Viewer on Windows and syslog utility on Linux/UNIX. The Log Daemon reports an error.NVBU shuts down automatically and sets the status on the Configurator Service tab to Stopped Disk Full.

    Warning: If disk space is critically low at the startup of NVBU Service, the errors will only be logged through Event Viewer or syslog. You must take necessary steps to ensure availability of adequate disk space before restarting the NVBU Service.

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

    7.3.0 Creating a User-Defined Schedule for Disk Space ChecksBy default, the disk space checks are scheduled to run every hour. You can override this behavior with a user-defined schedule.

    To create a user-defined schedule for disk space checks

    1. Click the Logging Daemon tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameter:

    Time Interval between Disk Space Full Checks – Enter or select the time interval between two disk space check events. The time interval is specified in number of hours.

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    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

    7.4.0 Disabling Disk Space ChecksTo disable automatic disk space checks by the log daemon

    1. Click the Logging Daemon tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameter:

    Time Interval between Disk Space Full Checks – Enter or select 0 (zero).

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

    Note: Regardless of this setting, the log daemon will perform a disk space check when the NVBU Service restarts.

    7.5.0 Creating a User-Defined Policy for Deleting System LogsThe Log Daemon uses a default policy to delete obsolete logs, and accordingly deletes all system logs that are older than 31 days. You can override this behavior with one of the following types of user-defined policies:

    Age-based Purge Policy – Select this policy type to delete logs that older than a certain number of days.Page-based Purge Policy – Select this policy type to delete log pages when the total pages exceeds a certain number.

    Note: For details on deleting the system logs manually, refer to the Quest NetVault Backup Administrator’s Guide.

    To create a user-defined policy for deleting system logs

    1. Click the Logging Daemon tab on the Configurator.2. Select one of the following methods to create a user-defined purge policy for

    system logs:

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    Figure 7-2: Auto purgemethods for

    audit logs onLogging

    Daemon tab

    a. Age-based Purge Policy – For a purge policy based on the log age, configure the following parameters:1. In the Auto-Purge Method list, select Exceeds Log Age.2. In Auto-Purge Entries That are Older Than, enter or select the

    maximum age for the logs. The log age is specified in number of days. The default value for this parameter is 30 days.

    b. Page-based Purge Policy – For a purge policy based on the page size, configure the following parameters:1. In the Auto-Purge Method list, select Exceeds Number of Pages.2. In Auto-Purge When the Number of Log Pages Exceeds, enter or

    select the maximum number of log pages that can exist at any given point of time. The default value for this parameter is10 pages.

    3. By default, automatic purging occurs every 3 hours. To change this schedule, refer to Creating a User-Defined Schedule for Purging System Logs on page 40.

    4. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

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    7.6.0 Creating a User-Defined Schedule for Purging System LogsBy default, automatic purging occurs every 3 hours. To create a user-defined schedule for purging system logs, use the following steps:

    1. Click the Logging Daemon tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameter:

    Select the Time Interval to Auto Purge – Enter or select the time interval between two purge events. The time interval is specified in number of hours.

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

    7.7.0 Disabling Automatic Purging of System LogsTo disable automatic purging of system logs

    1. Click the Logging Daemon tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameter:

    Auto-Purge Method – In the Auto-Purge Method list, select None.3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click

    Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

    Important: The system logs can consume a considerable amount for disk space. Therefore, periodic purging of the logs is necessary. If you disable automatic purging, you must manually delete the logs at regular intervals. For details on purging logs manually, refer to the Quest NetVault Backup Administrator’s Guide.

    7.8.0 Optimizing the Log DaemonTo change the properties of the log daemon

    1. Click the Logging Daemon tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameters, as required:

    a. Log File Size – Enter or select the maximum size for log files. The file size in specified in KB. The default value for this parameter is 1024KB.When a log file becomes full, the log daemon does the following:

    Creates a new blank file to reserve space for logs.Starts writing to the next file.

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    b. Response Interval – When you open the NVBU Logs window, the log daemon sends all logs to the NVBU Console. The response interval determines the amount of time NVBU Console waits for the Log Daemon to send all logs before displaying a progress dialog box. This dialog displays the number of logs loaded against the total number of logs. If the response is delayed, you can choose to abort the operation by clicking Cancel on the progress dialog box.The default response time for the log daemon is 256 milliseconds. To increase or decrease the interval, enter or select the amount of time in Message Response Interval. The minimum amount of response time that you can set is 100 milliseconds.If the NVBU Console receives all logs within the set interval, the progress dialog box will not be displayed at all. This will be true if there are only few log messages to be displayed.

    The progress dialog box is refreshed every 256 milliseconds. To change the refresh rate, enter or select the time interval in Minimum Time between Progress Updates.

    c. Log Bundle Size – To improve performance, the log daemon sends messages to NVBU Console in bundles. Each bundle contains 64 messages by default. To change the number of messages per bundle, enter or select the bundle size in Outgoing Message Bundle Size.

    d. Messages Sent to System Log – The log daemon automatically sends logs with warning code 64 and above to the operating system logs. You can view these logs through Event Viewer on Windows and syslog on Linux/UNIX. To change the severity level of messages that are sent to the operating system, enter or select the warning level code in Minimum Warning Level to Send to System Log. The warning codes and the corresponding severity level of the messages are listed in the table below:

    Code Severity Level112 Severe Errors

    96 Severe Errors and Errors

    80 Severe Errors, Errors and Warnings

    64 Severe Errors, Errors, Warnings and Startup Messages

    48 Severe Errors, Errors, Warnings, Startup Messages and Job Messages

    32 Severe Errors, Errors, Warnings, Startup Messages, Job Messages and Informational Messages

    16 Severe Errors, Errors, Warnings, Startup Messages, Job Messages, Informational Messages and Background Messages

    0 All Messages

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    Chapter 8:

    CUSTOMIZING THE MEDIAMANAGER PROCESS

    Media Manager – An OverviewConfiguring Retention Period for Imported BackupsUsing Barcodes as Default Media LabelsSetting Priority Levels for Continuation Media RequestsSetting Priority Levels for Media Labeling and Blanking RequestsConfiguring Callback Timeouts for Bulk Media OperationsSetting Interval for Media Status UpdatesDisabling Reuse of Read-Only MediaCreating a User-defined Policy for Automatic Index CompressionCreating a User-defined Schedule for Index CompressionDisabling Automatic Index CompressionConfiguring Minimum Disk Space for Index DecompressionCustomizing the Diagnose Media Requests WindowCustomizing Device Related SettingsEnabling Timeout for Source Media Requests

    8.1.0 Media Manager – An OverviewThe Media Manager (nvmedmgr) runs on the NVBU Server and performs the following functions:

    It manages the media database. The media database contains information about the media contents and online backup savesets.The Media Manager stores the device configuration details. It manages the backup devices through the Device Manager processes. The Media Manager issues high-level instructions for loading and unloading media, which are carried out by the Device Manager processes.It controls the selection of device and media for a job based on the media requests submitted by the Job Manager process.

    You can change the default settings for the Media Manager from the Media Manager tab on the Configurator.

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    Note: The NVBU Service must be restarted to apply any changes to the Media Manager Settings.

    8.2.0 Configuring Retention Period for Imported BackupsNVBU cannot process data on media for which no information is available in the Media database. Such media are tagged as foreign media. Typically, media that are removed from the NVBU Server or swapped between libraries in different NVBU Domains are marked as foreign media. To access the savesets on foreign media, you must scan the backups and the on-tape indexes to import the required data from the foreign media to NVDB. For details on scanning foreign media, refer to Quest NetVault Backup Administrator’s Guide. The retention period for the imported data is determined by the backup life set for the savesets. For the savesets that have already retired, the data is temporarily stored for 7 days.

    To change retention period for imported savesets

    1. Click the Media Manager tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameter:

    Figure 8-1:Media

    Manager tab

    Minimum Life for Imported Backups – Enter or select the number of days NVBU should retain the imported data for a retired saveset. The default value for this parameter is 7 days.

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

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    8.3.0 Using Barcodes as Default Media LabelsWhile performing a backup, you can automatically label blank media using the Automatically Label Blank Media option available on the Target tab of the NVBU Backup window. When you select this option, NVBU concatenates the NVBU Server name, system name and a seed number to generate a unique label for each media item. You can also configure NVBU to use the media barcodes as labels for blank media instead of using a system-generated string.

    To use barcodes as the labels for blank media

    1. Click the Media Manager tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameter:

    Use Barcodes as Labels – To use media barcodes as the default label for blank media during backups, select the Use Barcodes as Labels check box.

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

    8.4.0 Setting Priority Levels for Continuation Media RequestsA continuation request occurs when an active backup or restore job requires additional media for completion. NVBU assigns a priority level of 5 to such requests so that they are not preempted by other media requests, and the active job completes without any interruption.

    To change the default priority levels for continuation requests

    1. Click the Media Manager tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameters:

    Continuation Restore Request Priority Boost – Enter or select a priority level for continuation requests by restore jobs. By default, these requests are assigned a priority level of 5.Continuation Backup Request Priority Boost – Enter or select a priority level for continuation requests by backup jobs. By default, these requests are assigned a priority level of 5.

    Note that the priority level ranges from 1 (highest priority) to 100 (lowest priority). A priority level of zero sets a request to run as a background task

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

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    8.5.0 Setting Priority Levels for Media Labeling and Blanking RequestsNVBU assigns a priority level of 10 to media labeling and blanking requests. To change these settings, perform the following steps:

    1. Click the Media Manager tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameters:

    Label Request Priority – Enter or select a priority level for bulk media labeling requests. By default, these requests are assigned a priority level of 10.Blank Request Priority – Enter or select a priority level for bulk media blanking requests. By default, these requests are assigned a priority level of 10.

    Note that the priority level ranges from 1 (highest priority) to 100 (lowest priority). A priority level of zero sets a request to run as a background task.

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

    8.6.0 Configuring Callback Timeouts for Bulk Media OperationsThe callback timeouts for bulk media labeling and blanking operations control how long NVBU waits for user inputs before ending these requests. By default, NVBU waits for 120 seconds for user confirmation. The requests are not carried out if the callback timeouts expire for the operations. To change the default timeout settings, perform the following steps:

    1. Click the Media Manager tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameters:

    Bulk Label Callback Timeout – Enter or select a callback timeout for bulk media labeling request. The timeout value is specified in number of seconds. The default value for this parameter is 120 seconds.Bulk Blank Callback Timeout – Enter or select a callback timeout for bulk media blanking request. The timeout value is specified in number of seconds. The default value for this parameter is 120 seconds.

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

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    8.7.0 Setting Interval for Media Status UpdatesThe online media status is updated every 10 minutes on the NVBU Media Management window. To change this interval, perform the following steps:

    1. Click the Media Manager tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameter:

    Minimum Interval between Reporting Online Capacity – Enter or select the frequency of status updates for online media. The update interval is specified in minutes. The default interval is 10 minutes.

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

    8.8.0 Disabling Reuse of Read-Only MediaNVBU automatically removes the read-only tag for a media item when the last saveset stored on is retired. This allows you to re-use the media for new backups. To disable this feature, perform the following steps:

    1. Click the Media Manager tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameter:

    Mark Expired Read Only Media as Writable – Clear this check box to prevent reuse of a retired read-only media. This check box is selected by default.

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

    8.9.0 Creating a User-defined Policy for Automatic Index CompressionOnline indexes are the backup indexes stored in the NVDB. You can compress these indexes to reduce space usage. The backup indexes can be compressed manually from the NVBU Restore window, or automatically using an index compression policy. NVBU uses a default compression policy to automatically compress online indexes after 30 days of inactivity. To replace the default policy with a user-defined automatic index compression policy, perform the following steps:

    1. Click the Media Manager tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameter:

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    Figure 8-2:

    Indexcompression

    parameters onMedia

    Manager tab

    Days of Inactivity before an Index is Compressed – Enter or select the inactivity period for index compression. The default value for this parameter is 30 days.

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

    8.10.0 Creating a User-defined Schedule for Index CompressionThe Media Manager scans the NVDB at periodic intervals to find backup indexes which can be compressed. The scanning occurs every 12 hours. To change this schedule, perform the following steps:

    1. Click the Media Manager tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameter:

    Hours between Scans for Indexes to be Compressed – Enter or select the frequency of scans for index compression. The default interval between two scans is 12 hours.

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

    8.11.0 Disabling Automatic Index CompressionTo disable automatic compression of online indexes, perform the following steps:

    1. Click the Media Manager tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameter:

    Days of Inactivity before an Index is Compressed – Enter or select 0 (zero).

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

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    8.12.0 Configuring Minimum Disk Space for Index DecompressionNVBU automatically decompresses the backup indexes when you try to browse or restore a saveset with compressed indexes. You can also manually decompress the indexes from the NVBU Restore window. For details on decompressing a backup index, refer to the Quest NetVault Backup Administrator’s Guide. By default, NVBU reserves 500MB of free disk space on the NVDB drive or partition, which is required before and after an index compression. To change this setting, perform the following steps:

    1. Click the Media Manager tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameter:

    Minimum Space for Index Decompression – Enter or select the minimum amount of space required on the NVDB drive or partition. The space requirement is specified in MB. The default value for this parameter is 500MB. A decompression request will fail in the following circumstances:

    The available space on the NVDB drive or partition is less than the minimum required space.The required amount of free disk space will not be available on the NVDB drive or partition after a decompression. When NVBU receives a decompression request, it reads the index header to determine its decompressed file size. The request will fail if the available space on the NVDB drive or partition will go below the minimum required space after decompression.

    If it fails, then NVBU will display an error message in one of the following windows:

    When you issue the decompress command manually, NVBU will display the message on the NVBU Restore window.When NVBU performs an automatic decompression for a restore or an incremental backup, it will display the message in the NVBU Logs window.

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

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    8.13.0 Customizing the Diagnose Media Requests WindowNVBU supports a maximum of 64,000 characters on the Diagnose Media Requests for Job window. To reduce the number for characters displayed on this window, perform the following steps:

    1. Click the Media Manager tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameter:

    Maximum Characters in a Media Request Diagnosis – Enter or select the number of characters that can be displayed on the Diagnose Media Requests for Job window. It is specified in thousands of characters. Lesser number of characters may result in quicker output. However, the output may be truncated and you may not get the complete information. Therefore, it is recommended that you do not change the default settings for this parameter.

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

    8.14.0 Customizing Device Related SettingsTo customize the device related settings controlled by the Media Manager, perform the following steps:

    1. Click the Media Manager tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameters:

    Figure 8-3:Device relatedparameters on

    MediaManager tab

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    Do not Display Device Activity in the Device Window – Select this check box to stop status updates on the NVBU Device Management window. It may help reduce the load on the NVBU Server when several backup devices are added to the Server.Do Not Display Drives that are Available but not Active – Select this check box to hide the offline devices on the NVBU Device Management window.Only Check Available Drives and Media when Processing a Media Request – Select this check box to only check for available drives and media when a media request is received. It can be useful in large environment to reduce the network traffic generated by the automatic checks. However, it may cause a delay in job startup when several jobs are launched at the same time.Only Check Available Drives when Processing a Media Request – Select this check box to only check for available drives when a media request is received.Only Check Available Media when Processing a Media Request – Select this check box to only check for available media when a media request is received.Do Not Issue Prevent/Allow Media Remove Commands to Drives – During backup and restore operations, the Media Manager issues PREVENT ALLOW MEDIUM REMOVAL SCSI commands in order to move a medium to or from a drive. If your library software can handle medium removal/ejection by itself and does not require any explicit commands to be sent to the drive, then you can select the Do Not Issue Prevent/Allow Media Remove Commands to Drives check box. When this check box is selected, the Media Manager will skip the PREVENT ALLOW MEDIUM REMOVAL SCSI commands during device operations.Do Not Open a Device if the Serial Number has Changed – Select this check box to stop issuing commands to a device whose serial number has changed since its last configuration for NVBU.Unavailable Device Retry Interval – Enter or select the retry interval for unavailable devices. The retry interval is specified in minutes. By default, NVBU makes an attempt every 30 minutes to locate an unavailable device.Allow Library Modification when Jobs are Running – Select this check box to allow a user to modify the library settings while it is in use.Do Not Scan Unknown Media – When you add tapes to a library, and close the door (or restart the library), NVBU takes an inventory by reading the media barcodes. If NVBU cannot find the barcode for a piece of media, then it marks that tape as UNKNOWN. You can configure the Mark Unknown Media Blank parameter on the Configure Device

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    window to mark such media items as BLANK. For details on this option, refer to the Quest NetVault Backup Administrator’s Guide.If you do not mark the unknown tapes as BLANK, then NVBU starts loading each unknown tape into one of the drives to scan for backups and on-tape indices. On very large systems, this can increase the burden on the drive resources.To leave the unknown tapes as UNKNOWN and not scan them automatically, select the Do Not Scan Unknown Media check box. This option applies to all new libraries that are added to the NVBU Server. However, it does not change the setting for existing libraries. To apply this parameter to an existing library, you must remove the library and re-add it.You can also configure this parameter on a per-library basis. For details, refer to the Quest NetVault Backup Administrator’s Guide.

    3. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Configurator. Alternatively, click Apply to commit the new settings and remain in Configurator.

    8.15.0 Enabling Timeout for Source Media RequestsFor Consolidate Incremental Backups and Data Copy jobs, when you configure the Media Request Timeout setting on the Target tab of the NVBU Backup window, it is possible to apply the same timeout settings to the requests for the source media. Similarly, for the source set for Secondary Copies, media request timeout can be obtained from the Media Request Timeout settings configured in the target set. This feature can be used to abort a backup job if the request for the source media cannot be met within the specified interval. To apply the target media request timeouts to the source media requests, perform the following steps:

    1. Click the Media Manager tab on the Configurator.2. Configure the following parameters:

    Figure 8-4:Check box for