PowerProtect Data Manager: VM Backup Reports Failure for Nonpersistent Disk despite Exclusion in Policy

Summary: Virtual machine backups may report a failure for a nonpersistent (independent) disk even though the disk is excluded in the backup policy. This occurs when the vCenter Server is backed up alongside multiple virtual machines in the same policy. ...

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
Check out other resources

Symptoms

  • Backup policy includes multiple VMs, including a vCenter Server.
  • One VM has a nonpersistent (independent) disk excluded in the policy.
  • Backup completes but reports the excluded disk as failed.
  • Error message in logs 
    • Error: Unable to configure protection for the asset because independent disks are not supported.
Exclude any independent disks that are configured for the virtual machine asset, and then retry the operation.

Cause

The vCenter Server was backed up as part of a large policy containing multiple VMs (81 in this case). When vCenter is processed in the same backup cycle as other VMs, resource contention and timing issues can cause the backup engine to incorrectly report excluded nonpersistent disks as failed.

Best Practice: Back up the vCenter Server in a separate policy scheduled at a different time than other virtual machines.

Resolution

Create a dedicated backup policy for the vCenter Server and schedule it to run independently from other VM backups.

This ensures proper handling of excluded nonpersistent disks and prevents false failure reports. 

Affected Products

PowerProtect Data Manager, PowerProtect Software
Article Properties
Article Number: 000383073
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 29 Oct 2025
Version:  2
Find answers to your questions from other Dell users
Support Services
Check if your device is covered by Support Services.