Exchange GRT Full or differential backups fail with: Cannot extract mailbox messages from the Exchange backup and VFF Open failure.

Problem

Exchange GRT Full/Differential backups fails with Cannot extract mailbox messages from the Exchange backup.

Error Message

Final error: 0xe00002f7 - Cannot extract mailbox messages from the Exchange backup. Review the job log for more information.

V-79-57344-759 - Unable to complete the operation for the selected resource using the specified options for the following reason: VFF Open Failure.  This can be caused by low memory or disk resources.

The issue can be confirmed by viewing the BEREMOTE log with GRT Debugging set to "High" based on the backup storage destination:

• On the Backup Exec media server for disk based backups
• On the Exchange Server for tape backups

The following entry will appear in the log:

CheckVirtOpen:Unable to see I/O in GRT directory :C:\Temp\Backup
Exec\IMG14\vdb_2012_10_13_2115_38\HC Mailbox Database.edb.Virt___0
The most likely cause of this problem is that the path is on a DFS share.
Suggest using a local drive or non-DFS share.
 

Cause

The GRT thread has detached from the disk prior to completing the GRT catalog operation.

Solution

Note: Before making the registry changes below, make sure the latest Backup Exec hotfixes have been applied as some VFF memory conditions have been resolved with previously released updates and confirm from the debug logs that the issue will be resolved by this change by verifying

Also note, the registry change needs to be performed as follows:

• On the Backup Exec media server for disk based backups
• On the Exchange Server for tape backups

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

1. Open the registry (Start - Run - REGEDIT or REGEDT32) and browse to the path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\VirtFile

2. Create a new DWORD Value called:

Detach Timeout

3. Set the Value Data to:

10000 (decimal)