NetWorker: Client-Based Backup Does Not Complete When Retention is Set Beyond 2038, message is "5803:save: invalid retention time: "

Summary: NetWorker client backup does not complete when the retention period is beyond the epoch of 2038, message is "5803:save: invalid retention time."

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Symptoms

NetWorker client-based backup does not complete with the error: "5803:save: invalid retention time: <Retention_Period>"

5803:save: invalid retention time
Figure 1: Error Message "5803:save: invalid retention time"

The backup workflow has a retention date which extends beyond 2038.

The NetWorker client software is version 19.2.1.x or earlier.

Cause

The code fix is a client-side change in the save binary.

Resolution

Upgrade the client to NetWorker 19.3.x or later. The NetWorker Administration Guide (link below) states the following:

"When you try to set a date beyond the year 2038 (epoch), NetWorker returns an invalid retention time and the corresponding operation fails. From NetWorker 19.3 onwards, you can set a retention time beyond the year 2038, up to 136 years from the current date of execution for the respective action."

NOTE: NetWorker versions before 19.3.x (19.2.1 and earlier) are no longer supported; 19.2.1 reached end of support life as of March 31, 2023. End of support documentation is available in article 185734 on Dell Support Dell End-of-Life Documents for converged infrastructure, midrange and enterprise storage, and storage networking products.

NetWorker software is available for download to registered customers on Dell Support at https://www.dell.com/support/home/product-support/product/networker/drivers.

Additional Information

The NetWorker Administration and Installation guides are available on Dell Support at https://www.dell.com/support/home/product-support/product/networker/docs.

Affected Products

NetWorker

Products

NetWorker Family, NetWorker Series
Article Properties
Article Number: 000212103
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 10 Oct 2024
Version:  4
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