Exchange 2010 Backup Query re: datafile/log file location

Question

Hi All.

I have got an issue here where our exchange standard configuration is to have both the datafiles and logfiles in the same path. Networker (and NMMA 2.3) require the files to not be in the same path.

Exchange MailBox %s on server %s database files and log files are on the same path. Terminating backup.”

Is there a work around in Networker to allow us to backup Exch 2010 environment with the files in the same path ?

Why does NW need the files to be in different paths ?

Tks,

Liam

CarlosRojas · Accepted Answer

Hi Liam,

I believe I did answer that question in previous posts, however there is a simple reason behind that:

When taking snapshots of Exchange DB and Logs, basically NMM is taking 2 snapshots, one for DB and one for logs.

As you know Windows OS doesn't allow you to have 2 files/Folders with the same name.

Let's say you have the following path:

F:\Exchange\db\db1.edb

F:\Exchange\db\log1.log

In this case NMM will need to create and mount 2 snapshots:

For DB:

F:\Exchange\db

For logs:

F:\Exchange\db

As you see the name/path of the snapshot is exactly the same, so that is not allowed in Windows OS, and that is the only reason why the logs and the DB must be placed in different folders.

I hope this was clear enough.

Thank you.

Carlos.

Bebo2k · Answer

Hi Liam,

What is the build number of your NMM 2.3 version ? There is new enhancements in NMM 2.3 Build 81 and higher for Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 SP1 Rollup 3 and higher, where the restriction that Exchange database and log files must reside on separate volumes has been removed in NMM 2.3 Build 81 and above. But there is supported configurations and un-supported configurations in this case. You can check those configurations and based on your configurations and scenario you will understand if your case is supported or not by NMM. You can check the NMM 2.3 Release notes starting from page 7 to page 10 to check those configurations and cases, The release notes can be downloaded from the following link :

https://powerlink.emc.com/nsepn/webapps/btg548664833igtcuup4826/km/live1/en_US/Offering_Technical/Technical_Documentation/300-011-102.pdf

Hope that this helps you.

Thanks,

Ahmed Bahaa

Bebo2k · Answer

Additionally, The latest NMM 2.3 version is build 93 , you can download it from the following FTP link: ftp://ftp.legato.com/pub/NetWorker/NMM/Cumulative_Hotfixes/2.3 Thanks, Ahmed Bahaa

guenterH1 · Answer

Regarding your first question: there is no work around.

Exch2010 logs and database files may be located on the same volume but not in the same path. When using NMM you will have to separate them. Either move logs or database to different path.

In any case it is needed to uses latest version of NMM 2.3 as being told in prevous posts.

Your second question, why this has to be like this I cannot answer.

This will have to be done by EMC staff only.

The use of VSS snapshots only is not a sufficient explanation for DB files and logs may be located on the same volume and will be affected by the snapshot the same time.

Lucky85 · Answer

Because NMM uses VSS to do the snapshots, and it is done for whole volume, therefore logs has to be separated, to be writeable at the time when snapshot is created… Regards Lukas

lguinane · Answer

Thanks All.

lguinane · Answer

Thank you Carlos

NetWorker

Exchange 2010 Backup Query re: datafile/log file location

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