Avamar: NDMP backup fails with snapsure creation failed message when backing up checkpoint

Backup Failure Indicators

The following symptoms are observed when an Avamar NDMP backup encounters a SnapSure creation issue:

• Backup job does not complete successfully.
• Avamar logs display this message:

Avndmp info message: snapsure creation failed.

• Backup of a checkpoint file on the VNX/NAS devices triggers the failure.
• No additional error codes or messages are reported beyond the SnapSure creation failure notice.

Insufficient VNX Pool Space Caused by Checkpoint Backup.

The NDMP backup fails with the message snapsure creation failed because the VNX storage pool runs out of space during the snapshot creation process.

• The snapshot (SnapSure) operation requires free space in the VNX storage pool to create a temporary snapshot used for the backup.
• A dataset was configured to back up the entire Celerra/VNX device rather than individual volumes.
• The selected dataset contained an existing checkpoint (such as, /root_rep_ckpt_14_117888_1 ).
• Creating a new backup checkpoint that includes this pre‑existing checkpoint consumes additional pool space.
• The cumulative space usage from the existing and new checkpoints filled the storage pool left no space for the new SnapSure.

When the SnapSure cannot be created due to insufficient pool capacity, the NDMP backup process stops and logs this error:

avndmp info message: snapsure creation failed.

How to Resolve Avamar NDMP "snapsure creation failed" Errors.

Step‑by‑Step Procedure

• Identify the dataset that contains the checkpoint file (such as, /root_rep_ckpt_14_117888_1 ).
• Log in to the VNX/Unity management interface (Unisphere) or use the CLI to view the dataset contents.
• Delete the checkpoint file from the dataset.
• Confirm that sufficient free space exists in the VNX storage pool.
• Rerun the Avamar NDMP backup job.
• Verify that the backup completes without the snapsure creation failed message.

Commands and Tools

Use the following tools and commands as needed. Replace placeholders with your environment values.

1. List storage pools and free space on the VNX:

   naviseccli -h [VNX_IP] storagepool -list

2. Show dataset contents (example using naviseccli): 

   naviseccli -h [VNX_IP] -user [USERNAME] -password [PASSWORD] \
       file -list -path /root_rep_ckpt_14_117888_1
    

3. Delete the checkpoint file (use with caution): 

   naviseccli -h [VNX_IP] -user [USERNAME] -password [PASSWORD] \
       file -delete -path /root_rep_ckpt_14_117888_1
    

4. Rerun the Avamar NDMP backup job from:
   1. Avamar Administrator
   2. Using the CLI

      avtar -run -job [JOB_NAME]
            

Verification

• Open Avamar Administrator and check the job status. It should show **Completed** without errors.
• Review the Avamar log for the absence of the line:

  avndmp info message: snapsure creation failed.

• Confirm that a new snapshot was created on the VNX storage pool (use Unisphere or the naviseccli storagepool -list command to see increased used space).