CHAPTER 4 Backing Up Files

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Before you actually back up a file, you must first create a worklist, and then define the configuration parameters for each backup (at least one set is needed). After you have completed these steps, you are ready to start backing up files.

For complete information on creating a worklist, defining configuration parameters, and backing up data, refer to the BACKUP.UNET Customization and Reference Guide.


When To Do Backups

Begin by determining what information gets backed up and how often backups should be done. Once you determine the back up frequency, you can schedule the backups to run automatically by using the Backup Scheduler (see page 4 23).

A few points to consider are:


Types of Backups

A backup is a single backup operation that may extend over several backup volumes. Through BACKUP.UNET, you can perform full, incremental, and special incremental backups over the network.

Full Backup---Full backup is performed when all the files specified in a worklist are to be written to the backup volumes.

Incremental Backup---An incremental backup is performed when only the files that have been added or modified since the last backup are to be written to the backup volume(s).

Special Incremental---A special incremental is the same as an incremental backup except that records of the deleted files are not recorded in the associated tables.


Steps in the Backup Process

The following list briefly describes the steps you perform in order to backup files:

  1. Copy and then modify the default worklist to fit your system's backup needs. (This step only needs to be done when you are initially configuring you system, or when your backup needs change.)

  2. Define the backup parameters using the Backup Configuration dialog. (This step only needs to be done when you are initially configuring you system, or when your backup needs change.)

  3. Choose the Backup option from the BACKUP.UNET main dialog. A cascading menu is displayed. Choose the Backup option to display the Backup Configuration dialog.

  4. Load the desired backup configuration by first clicking the Open button and then selecting a backup configuration.

  5. Select the host or hosts to be backed up in the Hosts list box of the Backup Configuration dialog.

  6. When you are ready to begin the backup, click the Apply button from the Backup dialog. The backup is started.

  7. Check the status of the backup process, if desired.

The following sections describe these steps in detail.


BACKUP.UNET Worklist

A worklist is a file that defines the areas of your BACKUP.UNET system that are to be backed up. The worklist also allows you to quickly and easily back up all or part of your system without having to re enter the appropriate information each time you need to run a backup.

This worklist can contain a general section that lists the files to be backed up on all systems on the network. (The files in the '/etc' directory are an example of general files.) The worklist can also contain specific system sections that list those files to be backed up only on the systems indicated.

Note: When you initiate a backup, BACKUP.UNET uses the worklist on the local host to determine the files to be backed up. For complete information on creating a worklist, refer to the BACKUP.UNET Customization and Reference Guide.

Modifying a Worklist

You can edit a worklist only on the local host. Create a new worklist or modify an existing one whenever your BACKUP.UNET system configuration changes, or when you want to make changes to your backup procedure.

Note: When backing up remote hosts, the worklist that is in the BACKUP.UNET home directory on the local host (the host from which you are issuing the backup command) is the worklist used on the remote host being backed up.

  1. To access the worklist, choose Manage Admin Files from the BACKUP.UNET main dialog. The File Editor dialog is displayed.

  2. Select Worklist from the Which File field and click on Open.

  3. The worklist file is displayed in the text dialog. Using the dialog editor, modify the worklist keywords and filenames to meet your installation's requirements. For complete information on creating a worklist, refer to the BACKUP.UNET Customization and Reference Guide.

Backup Configuration Records

Before running your first backup, you must define at least one backup configuration record for a full backup. From the main dialog choose Backup Backup to display the Backup Configuration dialog.

From this dialog you can specify configuration parameters to customize and control the backup. Configuration records are to BACKUP.UNET what road signs are to a highway; they direct and control the flow of traffic (data). There is no limit to the number of configuration records that you can define.

Choosing a Host

The host names that are displayed in the Host(s) list box in the Backup Configuration dialog are not considered part of a backup configuration record and, therefore, do not apply to any specific backup configuration. Each time you run a backup from the Backup dialog, you must first load the appropriate backup configuration record and then choose the hosts to be backed up from the Host(s) list box.

Adding a Configuration Record

  1. From the main dialog, choose Backup Backup to display the Backup Configuration dialog (Figure 4 1):

  2. Complete the Backup Configuration fields using the descriptions that follow this section. Collectively they control the backup process by defining:
    - The types of backups
    - Where the data should be stored
    - How the backup should be done

  3. After you have specified the backup parameters, click the Save button. (If you have not selected required information, you will be prompted to do so.)

  4. The configuration is saved.

Backup Configuration Fields

Some fields on the Backup Configuration dialog are automatically provided with default values. If the value is correct, continue to the next field. Use the following field descriptions as a guide.

Configuration Name

Type the name of the backup configuration you are creating. If you have selected an existing backup configuration, this field displays its name.

Host(s)

List box. Indicates the currently selected host. Host information is not part of a backup configuration record. Before you run a backup, you must select a host or hosts after you load a backup configuration.

Backup Pool

List box. Displays a list of all pre defined media pools in your network. Select the media pool you want to be used with this backup. (When Device Reselection is not selected, the Pool Provider field displays any associated hosts.) You must select a pool before saving a configuration.

Backup Type

Displays the currently selected backup type. To select another type, position the cursor in the Backup Type field and press and hold the SELECT mouse button. A list of backup types is displayed. Drag the cursor through the list until the backup type you want is highighted. Release the SELECT mouse button to select the backup type. Your choice is displayed.

Full---backs up all files in the worklist.

Incremental---backs up only those files that have been changed or added since the last backup. This field also keeps track of deletion files.

Special Incremental---backs up only those files that have been changed or added since the last backup; however, no file deletion records are generated.

Full - Report Only---does not run an actual full backup, but produces a report of the files that would be backed up based on the worklist used.

Incremental - Report Only---does not run an actual incremental backup but produces a report of the files that would be backed up based on the worklist used.

Special - Report Only---does not run an actual special incremental backup but produces a report of the files that would be backed up based on the worklist used.

Number of Streams

Specifies the number of backup streams. The default is one stream. Streams must have first been included in the worklist. You cannot have more than one stream with an incremental backup. Refer to the BACKUP.UNET Customization and Reference Guide for information about using streams in the worklist.

Worklist

Displays the name of the default worklist, 'nbkWORKLIST'. To use another worklist, position the text caret in the field and erase the current name. Type the name of the worklist file to be used to specify the files to be backed up or excluded from the backup. The worklist filename can be up to 1,023 characters long; however, only the first 28 characters are displayed.

Dump Name

Position the text caret. Type the name of this backup. Use this field only if you want to identify a specific backup. A named dump is a backup that is not automatically recycled according to the recycle schedule and can be used as an archive backup. If you do not enter a dump name, BACKUP.UNET automatically generates a name that includes the date and time of the backup.

A named dump cannot be an incremental backup, only a full backup.

Device Reselection

Check box. When selected, device reselection is used for the backup. When not selected, a single device is used for the backup. selected---is the default. BACKUP.UNET broadcasts a device request to the provider of the pool and selects the first available device. After the first volume has been written, another request is broadcast and the next available device in the pool is used. This device selection continues until the backup job is complete. Device reselection is useful for running unattended backups that require multiple volumes.
not selected---BACKUP.UNET broadcasts a request to each provider of a pool. (The providers for the selected pool are displayed in the Pool Provider field.) If you did not select a specific device from the Backup Device field, the first device that responds to the device request is selected. This device will be used for the entire backup job. For backups that require multiple volumes, an operator must be present to mount each additional volume.

Pool Provider

Displays a list of available pool providers. Select the provider to be used for the backup.

Backup Device

Displays a list of the tape drives associated with the selected pool provider. Select the device on which to run the backup. This device will be used for the entire backup.

Format

Displays the currently selected backup format. To select another format, position the cursor in the Format field and press and hold the SELECT mouse button. A list of backup formats is displayed. Drag the cursor through the list until the format you want is highighted. Release the SELECT mouse button to select the format. Your choice is displayed.

Note: When backing up Hewlett Packard systems, use cpio or cpioc format to back up ACLs. cpio -c---specifies the MTI enhanced cpio compatible format. This format increases portability between different machine architectures. This is the BACKUP.UNET default format.
cpio---allows device special files and raw data to be backed up.
tar---standard UNIX tape archive format.
ansi---ANSI format with MTI enhancements. The ansi format allows device special files (for example, printer devices and raw disk partitions) to be backed up. If you wand ANSI format, but do not need to be 100% compatible with ANSI X3.27 (level 4), this ANSI format is useful because it:
- performs backups and restores at a faster speed than ANSI X3.27 format, since end-of-file tape markers are eliminated.
- works with any type of device---floppies, cartridges, disks, in addition to 9-track tapes.
ansi -mt ANSI magtapes. Conforms completely to ANSI X3.27 (level 4) standards. It allows files to be split across volumes and backs up device special files. The ANSI X3.27 format allows retrieval on any ANSI-compatible system. However, the ansi -mt format can be used only with the 9-track tape devices, and it is slower than the ansi format because it contains end-of-file markers.

Volume Scan

A data verification feature. Displays the currently selected scan option. To select another option, position the cursor in the Volume Scan field and press and hold the SELECT mouse button. A list of scan options is displayed. Drag the cursor through the list until the option you want is highighted. Release the SELECT mouse button to select the option. Your choice is displayed. No---does not read the backup volume after the backup. (You may want to select the No option if the system provides hardware based I/O write verification or if the quantity of backup data to be written precludes re reading and verifying each volume.)
Read---reads the backup volume to verify readability.
Warn---warns of inconsistencies between source data and backed up data. This option is the default.
Abort---aborts if inconsistencies are found between source data and backed up data.

Split Files

Check box. When selected, this option allows you to better utilize your media by splitting large files across volumes, leaving less wasted space at the end of the tape. selected---files will be split.
not selected---files will not be split. This is the default.

Append

Check box. When selected, this option allows you to append the backup to the last backup on the current volume. 8mm, 4mm, 9 track, and some TK50 type drives can use this option. selected---the backup can be appended to the current volume.
not---selected the backup is not appended to the current volume. This is the default.

Compress Data

Check box. When selected, this option enables files to be compressed before they are sent across the network and remain compressed when they are written to the backup media. The compression technique reduces word processing documents, program source code files, and database files to approximately half their original size. selected---files will be compressed before being sent across the network and remain compressed when written to the volume, allowing more files per volume.
not selected---files are not compressed. This is the default setting.

Encrypt Data

Check box. When selected, this option allows you to secure confidential data for recording on the backup media. You must supply your own encryption/ decryption algorithm.

Note: The encryption/decryption program and its associated arguments are determined by messages 503 and 504 in the 'nbkMSGS' message file. Refer to the BACKUP.UNET Customization and Reference Guide for more information. selected---BACKUP.UNET encrypts the data before it is sent across the network and written to the volume.
not selected---the data is not encrypted. This is the default option.

Swap Bytes

Check box. When selected, this option allows for differences in the way certain computers store bytes. selected---swaps every pair of bytes in headers and data.
not selected---bytes are not swapped. This is the default option.

Swap Integers

Check box. When selected, this option applies only to cpio or cpio -c formats. It allows for differences in the way certain computers store cpio integers and increases portability between machine architectures. selected---performs byte swapping on integers only.
not selected---integers are not swapped. This is the default option.

Modifying a Configuration Record

  1. From the main dialog, choose Backup Backup to display the Backup Configuration dialog.

  2. Click the Open button. A dialog listing the backup configurations for the current host is displayed (Figure 4 2).

    Graphic: Figure 4-2. Backup Configurations

  3. Select the configuration you want to modify. Click the Open button to load the configuration.

  4. The name of the configuration you loaded is displayed in the Configuration Name field and the other fields are filled in with the associated parameters.

  5. Change the backup parameters as desired.

  6. After you have changed the backup parameters, click the Save button. The configuration is saved with the changes you made.

Deleting a Configuration Record

Before you can delete a backup configuration, you must first load it into the Backup Configuration dialog.

  1. From the main dialog, choose Backup Backup to display the Backup Configuration dialog.

  2. Click the Open button. A dialog listing the backup configurations for the current host is displayed (Figure 4 2).

  3. Select the configuration you want to delete. Click the Open button to load the configuration into the Backup Configuration dialog.

  4. The name of the configuration you loaded is displayed in the Configuration Name field and the other fields are filled in with the associated parameters.

  5. To delete the configuration, click the Delete button. A dialog appears asking you to confirm the deletion (Figure 4 3):

    Graphic: Figure 4-3. Delete Backup Confirmation Dialog

  6. 6. To delete the configuration, click the OK button. To cancel the deletion, click the Cancel button.

Running a Backup

Backups are generally run in a cycle. A backup cycle consists of one full backup and all of its subsequent incremental backups.

Caution: Make sure there are enough volumes in a media pool to hold the entire backup. If there are not enough volumes, the backup job fails. (Refer to Adding Volumes to a Pool on page 9 5 for more information.)

Loading a Backup Configuration and Starting the Backup Job

  1. From the main dialog, choose Backup Backup to display the Backup Configuration dialog.

  2. Click the Open button. A dialog listing the backup configurations for the current host is displayed (Figure 4 2).

  3. Select the configuration you want to use to run the backup. Click the Open button to load the configuration.

  4. The name of the configuration you loaded is displayed in the Configuration Name field and the other fields are filled in with the associated parameters.

  5. Select the host or hosts to be backed up from the Host(s) list box, if necessary.

  6. To start the backup, click the Apply button.

List Files To Be Backed Up

Use the Report Only options available on the Backup Type field pop up menu, to determine if the necessary files will be backed up.

  1. To list the files to be backed up, first load the appropriate backup configuration.

  2. Position the pointer in the Backup Type field and press the SELECT mouse button. Select one of the following options from the pop up menu: Full - Report Only To list the files to be backed up for a full backup. Incremental - Report Only - To list the files to be backed up for an incremental backup. Special - Report Only - To list the files to be backed up for a special incremental backup

  3. To start the backup listing, click the Apply button. The Backup Listing dialog (Figure 4 4) displays the files that would be backed using the current parameters on the Backup Configuration dialog.

  4. Click the Dismiss button to stop the listing and close the dialog.

Graphic: Figure 4-4. Backup Listing Dialog


Viewing the Status of a Backup Job

Once you have started a backup job, you can check on its progress using the Backup and Restore Jobs dialog:

  1. Click Status on the BACKUP.UNET main dialog. The Status menu is displayed.

  2. Select Backups/Restores to display the Backup and Restore Jobs dialog (Figure 4 5). Figure 4-5. Backup and Restore Jobs Dialog

  3. If your backup is being processed, the key, type, status, process ID (PID), and the estimated completion time are displayed.

  4. If you want to check on the status again in a few minutes, click the Update button to get an updated status.

  5. When finished viewing the status, click the Dismiss button.

Canceling a Backup Job

Once you have started a backup job, you can cancel it using the Backup and Restore Jobs dialog:

  1. Click Status on the BACKUP.UNET main dialog. The Status menu is displayed.

  2. Select Backups/Restores to display the Backup and Restore Jobs dialog (Figure 4 5).

  3. Select (highlight) the backup job you want to cancel.

  4. To cancel the selected backup job click the Cancel Job button. A dialog appears asking you to confirm the deletion (Figure 4 3).

  5. To delete the job, click the OK button. To cancel the deletion, click the Cancel button.

Backup Control Volume

In a multi-volume backup, the Backup Control Volume (BCV) is the last volume. (If the backup only occupied one volume, then that volume is the BCV.) In addition to the files you have saved, the BCV contains information about the backup cycle as a whole. After each successful operation, the name of the BCV is recorded in the 'nbkLOG' file.

Normally this information is not required; however, in the event that you need to restore your entire system, you will need the BCV to perform a full system recovery. Each time you run a backup, put the new BCV in a special location and place the previous BCV with the rest of the backup volumes.

The BCV is crucial in performing a full system restore. Always make sure you know the physical location of the BCV in case you need to refer to its contents.


Scheduling Automatic Backups

To schedule backups to run automatically at a specified time or interval, use the BACKUP.UNET Backup Scheduler.

The Scheduler is actually a daemon that allows you to easily schedule backups to run automatically.

The Scheduler allows you to specify days and times to run full or incremental backups, either by specifying dates, or by specifying predefined cycles (weekly, first of the month, last of the month).

Setting Up a Schedule

Use the Schedules dialog and the Backup Scheduler dialog to set backup schedules. You may have more than one schedule.

  1. From the main dialog, select the Backup menu option. The Backup menu is displayed.

  2. Select the Backup Scheduler option to display the Schedules dialog (Figure 4 6).
    The Schedules dialog has the following fields:

    Graphic: Figure 4-6. Schedules Dialog

  3. Press the Add button to view the Backup Scheduler dialog (Figure 4-7).

  4. Use the descriptions that follow to complete the Schedule Name and Backup Start Time fields. Choose one of the following five scheduling methods and complete the associated fields that follow this procedure. Then continue with step 5.
    -Scheduling Method 1: Enter a number in the Run every _ days field to run a backup automatically at that specified interval. Click on a date in the calender to specify a start date.
    -Scheduling Method 2: Select Weekly to run a backup on a weekly basis. Select the day of the week on which to run the backup.
    -Scheduling Method 3: Select First of Month to run a backup on a monthly basis. Select the day of the week on which to run the backup.

    Graphic: Figure 4-7. Backup Scheduler Dialog - Scheduling Method 4: Select Last of Month to run the backup on a monthly basis. Select the day of the week on which to run the backup.
    - Scheduling Method 5: Select one or more dates on which to run the backup.

  5. Make your selections in the Configuration Names, Hosts, and Enabled/Disabled fields using the descriptions that follow.

  6. Select Apply to save the schedule.

Schedule Name

Type the name of the schedule you are creating. If you have selected an existing schedule, this field displays its name.

Backup Start Time

Specifies the time the backup will begin. Specify the time in the format hh:mm.

Interval

Pushbutton. When selected, runs a backup automatically at the interval you specify in the Run every ____ days field.

Run every____ days

Indicates the number of days between backups. You must also select a day on which to start using the calendar.

Configuration Names

List box. Displays the names of any pre defined backup configurations. Select a backup configuration to be used for the scheduled backup.

Hosts

List box. Displays the names of the BACKUP.UNET hosts. Select the hosts or hosts to be backed up. To backup all hosts, use the All Hosts toggle button.

All Hosts

Toggle button. When selected, all hosts will be backed up. When not selected, choose the hosts from the Hosts list box.

Weekly

Pushbutton. When selected, backups will be scheduled to run on a weekly basis. Select a day of the week on which the backups will run.

First of Month

Pushbutton. When selected, backups will be scheduled to run on a monthly basis. Select a day of the week on which the backups will run. For example, if you select First of Month and Monday, backups will be run automatically on the first Monday of each month.

Last of Month

Pushbutton. When selected, backups will be scheduled to run on a monthly basis. Select a day of the week on which the backups will run. For example, if you select Last of Month and Friday, backups will be run automatically on the last Friday of each month.

Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday

Pushbuttons. Used in conjunction with the Weekly, First of Month, and Last of Month pushbuttons. Indicates the day of the week on which to run the backups.

Calendar

Pushbuttons. Click on one or more dates to shedule backups for those specific dates.
< Click to display the calendar for previous months.
> Click to display the calendar for the next months.

Next backup is scheduled to run on:

Displays the date of the next scheduled backup.

Enabled

Toggle button. When selected, the backup scheduler runs backups according to the selected schedule.

Disabled

Toggle button. When selected, backups must be started manually.

Modifying a Schedule

  1. From the main dialog, choose Backup Backup Scheduler to display the Example Schedules dialog showing a list of schedules (Figure 4-8).

  2. Select (highlight) the name of the schedule you want to change.

  3. Click the Show button. The selected schedule is loaded and its parameters are displayed in the Backup Scheduler dialog. Make changes as necessary, using the field descriptions starting on page 4-27 as a guide.

  4. *Step 4 is missing.*

    Graphic: Figure 4-8. Example Schedules Dialog

  5. After you have specified the backup schedule parameters, click the Apply button. (If you have not selected required information, you will be prompted to do so.)

  6. The schedule is saved.

Deleting a Schedule

  1. From the main dialog, select the Backup Backup Scheduler option to display the Schedules dialog.

  2. Select the name of the schedule you want to delete.

  3. Click the Delete button.