Backup Job taking a very long time

[tjdoc]

Hi,
I have started a new image level backup job of a file server.
It seems to be extremely slow processing a specific exclusion, which is a folder with lots of files in it that we did not want to include in the backup:

23/03/2025 09:52:19 :: Hard disk 1: 3216858 files with total size of 517.6 GB excluded at 42 files per second (34% done)

Its now 23 hours since I started the job, however it's only processed 34%...
Have I done something wrong here?

Support Case #07645150
Thanks very much for any help...

[Mildur]

Hi TimD,

Slow backup processing is expected when using generic file exclusion on large file servers. You can refer to our best practice guide regarding OS file exclusions.

I recommend continuing to work with our customer support team to investigate whether the backup processing is functioning as expected or if there are any other bottlenecks. You can also check bottleneck statistics in the backup job session details.

Best,
Fabian

[tjdoc]

Hi Fabian
The folder exclusion has been configured as follows:
E:\VeeamBackupExclusions
This is not an OS specific exclusion, just an additional disk with a high-level folder in it, although the folder does contain thousands of files / folders.
The best practice guide doesnt really suggest this is incorrect as far as I can see, but should I have configured a different way?

Thanks

[Mildur]

Hi Tim

The folder exclusion has been configured as follows: E:\VeeamBackupExclusions

That's perfectly fine.
Folder exclusions generally provide better performance than file type exclusions, so there’s nothing wrong with setting it up that way.
However, it may still take significantly more time to process the backup compared to having no folder exclusions configured.
Please keep working with our support team.

Best,
Fabian