Local backup jobs of a Backup Exec media server including incremental jobs may be larger than expected when Disk Storage backup disk folders exist on the media server.

Problem

Backup Exec Incremental jobs are larger than the full backup jobs during a local backup of the Backup Exec media server.  This issue also may occur on Full and incremental backup jobs over time when using default backup job policy on the media server.

Cause

Backup Exec 2012 or above does not actively exclude the Backup to Disk media (.BKF) files or the "Disk Storage" backup to disk folder location of (X:\BEData\) on the media server.

Solution

Exclude the "Disk Storage" or backup to disk folder location from the backup job.  The Default backup to disk or "Disk Storage" locations in Backup Exec 2012 and are (X:\BEData). 

Example (Disk storage or Backup to disk folder located on Media server on E: drive) (Figure 1) :

Exclude E:\BEdata

Figure 1

 Note: To automatically exclude Disk Storage Device contents from volume-level backups create the following registry key.

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.

 

Using the regedit create the following key:

KEY NAME:  HKLM\SOFTWARE\Veritas\Backup Exec For Windows\Backup
Exec\Engine\Backup
KEY VALUE NAME: “Disable Backup of Disk Storage Devices"
KEY VALUE TYPE: REG_DWORD
KEY VALUE DATA:  0  - The Disk Storage Device contents are backed up (default)
KEY VALUE DATA:  1  - The Disk Storage Device contents are not backed up

Applies To

Backup Exec 2012 or above

Local Backup to disk folder(s) on the Media server

OR

Backup Exec 2012 or above media server with only a single Windows volume (C:) and Disk Storage configured on the single volume (C:).