Backing up custom application and file system data

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You can back up custom application and file system data by using Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS).

Before you begin
Configure IBM Storage Protect Snapshot to manage VSS snapshots for the custom application or file system. by using the Standalone Configuration Wizard. In the wizard, select File System.

Alternatively, if you are using IBM Storage Protect server, configure integration with the IBM Storage Protect server by using the IBM Storage Protect wizard.

Restriction: If you configure IBM Storage Protect Snapshot to integrate with IBM Storage Protect server, do not simultaneously configure the items listed.
  • In the VSS Requestor options file (baclient\dsm.opt), do not specify the following entry: 
    Include.Image volumemanagement-class-name
  • In the IBM Storage Protect Snapshot configuration file (fcmcfg.xml), Exchange configuration file (tdpexc.cfg, or SQL configuration file (tdpsql.cfg), do not specify VSSPOLICY statements that use the TSM option to back up data to IBM Storage Protect.
Procedure
  1. Start Microsoft Management Console (MMC).
  2. In the tree view, click Protect and Recover Data>File System.
  3. In the Protect tab, select the volume names and mount points to back up.
    Tip: Enter a keyword in the Search field to refine the list of available volume names and mount points in the results pane.
  4. Click Show Backup Options. Then, select one of the options and take the appropriate action.
    Table 1. Table 1. Backup options
    OptionActionMore information
    Optional: For custom applications, specify the presnapshot and postsnapshot batch scriptsSpecify the complete path for a presnapshotcmd file or postsnapshotcmd file to use. These scripts are used to quiesce or stop the application, which is necessary to ensure backup consistency.A presnapshotcmd file is a Windows command file that is run before a snapshot backup is created. For example, the presnapshotcmd script can quiesce an application before the snapshot is created. A postsnapshotcmd file is a Windows command file that is run after a snapshot backup is created. For example, a postsnapshotcmd script can resume an application after the snapshot is created.
    To use offloaded backupsSet the Offload option. If you intend to use offloaded backups, ensure that the Remote DSMAGENT Node name field is complete when you set preferences for the Data Protection properties. If you use the command-line interface to update the configuration for offloaded backups, set the REMOTEDSMAGENTNODE parameter. This parameter applies only to VSS backups.An offloaded backup uses another system to move custom application and file system data to IBM Storage Protect server storage. An offloaded backup can reduce the load on the network, I/O, and CPU resources during backup processing.
  5. Optional: Choose a mode for the current task:
    • Run Interactively: Click this item to run the current task interactively. This selection is the default.
    • Run Scheduled: Click this item to convert the current action into a scheduled task. When you select this item, the schedule wizard runs the command that is required to complete the task.
  6. In the Actions pane, click Backup Method and select VSS.
  7. In the Actions pane, click Backup Destination and specify where to store the backup.
    These options are available:
    • Local
    • TSM
    • Both
  8. In the Actions pane, click Full Backup. You can view the backup progress from the Task List and Task Details panes.