When using Symantec Storage Exec 5.5, database files are deleted when a file blocking policy, utilizing the Vmware Server Files file group, is applied.

Article:TECH49399  |  Created: 2007-01-03  |  Updated: 2007-01-03  |  Article URL http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH49399
Article Type
Technical Solution


Environment

Problem



When using Symantec Storage Exec 5.5, database files are deleted when a file blocking policy, utilizing the Vmware Server Files file group, is applied.

Solution



Overview:
When Storage Exec 5.5 is using Vmware file blocking policy with content checking applied on a folder, it blocks all Vmware files along with database (MDB) files. In that process, the MDB files are deleted.  This is due to a conflict detecting the file signature of Vmware Virtual Disk files (vmdk extension) and files with the extension mdb (traditionally associated with Jet database files).  

If the Storage Exec File 5.5 Blocking Policy is configured to block files in the Vmware Server Files file group and is configured to check file content, files with the extension mdb will be deleted.

Resolution
Attached to this article is an update to the MDB file signature in a .reg file, this should be inserted to the registry of your Symantec Storage Exec 5.5 server(s).

1.  Download the file from the "Download Now" link, below.
2.  Take a backup of your registry using the Export function from the File Menu in RegEdit.
2.  Copy this .reg file to your server(s) and double click on it.
3.  A prompt will appear to confirm making this entry in the registry, click OK.

Warning: Incorrect use of the Windows registry editor may prevent the operating system from functioning properly. Great care should be taken when making changes to a Windows registry. Registry modifications should only be carried-out by persons experienced in the use of the registry editor application. It is recommended that a complete backup of the registry and workstation be made prior to making any registry changes.


Another way to solve this issue without editing the registry:  
Storage Exec provides the user a provision to specify the authorized and unauthorized files, when creating File Groups.  The files specified in the authorized section belong to that File Group, whereas the files specified in the unauthorized section "DO NOT" belong to that File Group. This feature can be utilized to overcome the above mentioned problem. Here are the steps to configure Storage Exec, to specify the File Groups.

1.  Go to StorageExec main console. Click on File Groups.
2.  Right click on "VMware Server Files" on the right pane and click on Properties.
3.  Click on "Files Section" Tab.
4.  In the Authorized section, click on the "New" button and enter *.mdb
5.  Click OK

 

This configuration will enable Storage Exec 5.5 software to first identify the MDB file and then prevent the MDB file from being detected as an unauthorized VMware Server file.


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Attachments

MDBFileSignature_285573.zip (260 Bytes)


Legacy ID



285573


Article URL http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH49399


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