Frequently there are posts on the connect site about protecting or recovering Backup Exec itself from a Disaster.

Below procedure explains what to backup and how to recover Backup Exec.

Background:

Everyday Backup Exec runs a database maintenance and creates a healthy copy of BE database.

This copy of database is saved in the form of BEDB.bak in the DATA folder, located in the installation

directory of BE. The option of database maintenance is enabled by default and it runs at 04:00 hours.

This option can be disabled (not recommended) and the schedule time of maintenance can be changed too.

In BE2010 and older versions, Database Maintenance option is avialable in the BE console -> Tools ->

Options -> Database Maintenance. In BE 2012 this option is avialable in BE console -> Backpu Exec

button (Top left hand corner) -> Configuration & Settings -> Backup Exec Settings...

Since October 2011, (9 months) I have had recurring issues which has now resulted in BEWS completely failing to backup.

I have a relatively simple system, primarily a file server, (no Exchange) with a backup set of 400GB, on a 1000GB HP RDX.

Initially (since Symantec withdrew cascading tape drives) and I had to change the system, it worked perfectly, then October last year the problems started.

The correction process has been appalling, with it me putting in more time in providing data and running WebEx's than the engineers.

After a number of first line engineers "played," with no success only to create more issues, I managed to get it escalated, in the hope of some intelligence being applied.

After an initial success which took about 5 months, BEWS is now down (9 hours to do 120GB, when previously that would have done the full backup)

Tech response has been reactive rather than proactive, and I get the distinct impression no-...

As the name implies, this feature automatically recovers a virtual machine from application faults.

If you own a Backup Exec 2010 R3 or Backup Exec 2012 product and have license for Agent for VMware Virtual Infrastructure or Virtual Agent respectively, here is an interesting feature for you.

Your Backup Exec is becoming more intelligent and crossing the boundaries of traditional backup infrastructure and defining new set of standards by entering into high availability domain.

So here is the new exciting offering: “Backup Exec is integrated with Symantec clustering software, it can provide complete application protection that includes Application Protection as well as Business Continuity in a single offering”.

By configuring “Virtual Machine Auto Recovery” you will achieve the following automatically without manual intervention.

What all you achieve:

• Continuous application status monitoring...

I've been away for quite some time. Not physically, you understand, although the same level of travelling around the world applies, as ever, but in writing terms. A lot has been happening in the world of Backup Exec and its left me with little time to sit and think and write. For that I can only apologise but its all been in the name of a good cause. If you're reading this then you are probably aware that Backup Exec 2012 has been launched. Its significant. It brings change, but not just change for the sake of change. It brings change that makes life easier. I urge you to familiarise yourself with the changes. I moved from a Blackberry to an iPhone a little while ago and its a bit like that. Different, but better and it took no time at all to get into a new look and feel.

While I'm on the subject of change, its change time for me too. For the last eleven years I've been looking after Backup Exec in one role or another and that's a long time in anybody...