Avamar: How to configure the inclusions and exclusions in a dataset to define the scope of a backup.
Summary: This article provides additional information on how to configure the inclusions and exclusions in a dataset to define the scope of a Windows File System backup. A reference to this task can be found in the Avamar Administrator Guide. ...
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Instructions
DT/LT backup policies usually require an specific type of dataset to include only certain user folders such as "Desktop" or "Documents".
To achieve this task, configure the following 3 settings in the Windows dataset:
1- Source Data.
To achieve this task, configure the following 3 settings in the Windows dataset:
1- Source Data.
Select "All Local Windows File Systems". (Figure 1: Source Data)
Figure 1: Source Data
NOTE: Note that Avamar will scan all file systems specified in the source data for backup, regardless of any inclusions or exclusions configured. For multi-volume Windows machines, to improve backup performance, specify only the volume (such as C:) that contains the folders to be backed up in the "Source Data." In doing so, Avamar will scan only the C volume and ignore the other volumes.
2- Exclusions.
Write the following syntax under "Select Files and/or Folders" and click the + button. (Figure 2: Exclusions)
*.*
Figure 2: Exclusions
3- Inclusions.
Specify the folders to be included in the backup using wildcards if needed. (Figure 3: Inclusions)
To add the Desktop folder of all the users with a profile created in the Windows machine, write the following line and click the + button:
To add the Desktop folder of all the users with a profile created in the Windows machine, write the following line and click the + button:
users\*\desktop\*.*
Figure 3: Inclusions
Add other folders following the same procedure as per the dataset configuration requirements.
Add other folders following the same procedure as per the dataset configuration requirements.
NOTE: Note that Avamar will prioritize the inclusion specifications over the exclusions. So, even if the entire file system is excluded using the right syntax, any folders added to the inclusions will still be included in the backup.
Alternatively, instead of modifying the default dataset, the Avamar administrator can set up inclusions and exclusions per Windows client. This can be done by adding various flags, such as "--include" and "--exclude," to the configuration file avtar.cmd. To replicate the previously mentioned scenario but with the avtar.cmd flags, follow these steps:
1. Login to the Windows machine and navigate to the \avs\var\ folder.
2. If avtar.cmd is not present, create it.
3. Edit the file with notepad and add the following lines:
--exclude=*.* --include=users\*\desktop\*.*
4. Add as many --include lines as needed.
5. Save the file.
6. Ensure that the "Source Data" of the dataset is set to Windows File System.
5. Save the file.
6. Ensure that the "Source Data" of the dataset is set to Windows File System.
Additional Information
The include and exclude flags should be used carefully to avoid missing data which ought to be backed up.
More information on include/exclude functionality and how they are processed is available in the Avamar Administration Guide.
This article has been promoted as HVC on DELL Community Network: https://www.dell.com/community/Avamar/bd-p/avamar
More information on include/exclude functionality and how they are processed is available in the Avamar Administration Guide.
This article has been promoted as HVC on DELL Community Network: https://www.dell.com/community/Avamar/bd-p/avamar
Affected Products
AvamarProducts
Avamar, Avamar Client for WindowsArticle Properties
Article Number: 000020044
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 25 Feb 2025
Version: 5
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