Deleting Backup Files

[BCT-Tech]

We have 31.4 TB total space on our backup NAS, and 12.1 TB free space. We are backing up about 12 TB of data.

Due to updating VAW from 2.0.0.594 to 2.0.0.700, we cannot use the existing backup chain for incrementals anymore. Veeam Agent will not recognize the existing backup chain. It just creates a new folder and full backup / .vbk file.

We now have to create a new full backup .vbk file and we do not have enough room for a second one, with all the .vib incremental files on the existing backup chain.

Can we delete some of the .vib files on the existing backup chain to make room? Will the existing backups still be viable?

Case # 02255406

P.S. - why can't Veeam Agent import/use an existing backup chain if the software is uninstalled and re-installed? Seems pretty basic.

[Mike Resseler]

Hi BCT-Tech,

Normally the existing backup chain can be reused but you have updated a beta to a GA and that is not possible. Since it is a beta, I also doubt that you can reuse the existing backups to restore data unless you restore it from a beta setup. But support will probably be able to tell you whether it is possible or not.

Mike

[BCT-Tech]

Normally the existing backup chain can be reused but you have updated a beta to a GA and that is not possible. Since it is a beta, I also doubt that you can reuse the existing backups to restore data unless you restore it from a beta setup. But support will probably be able to tell you whether it is possible or not.

I uninstalled the GA and re-installed the previous version. VAW still does not recognize the existing backup chain.

[Dima P.]

BCT-Tech,

When saying exising you are refering to backup chain was created with VAW 2.0.0.594, correct?

[BCT-Tech]

When saying exising you are refering to backup chain was created with VAW 2.0.0.594, correct?

Yes

[Dima P.]

Unfortunately, you cannot continue the backup chain created in the beta version, so mapping wont work:

• Because of significant changes in both configuration and backup formats, we may not be able to provide the upgrade from BETA to GA build, and/or ability to restore from BETA backups in GA build. So please, do not assume that such compatibility will be available.

If you do have a remaining BETA installation you can map the old chain to your backup job, reduce the number of restore points and run the backup job. That should compact the backup chain but I don’t recommend to delete the restore points manually from the file system.

[BCT-Tech]

Unfortunately, you cannot continue the backup chain created in the beta version, so mapping wont work

Will this work in the GA version?

Create full backup and several incrementals, then uninstall VAW, reinstall VAW and continue to be able to add incrementals to the existing backup chain.

If not, can we feature request this? Seems like the software should be able to recognize the .VBK and .VIB files and continue with forward incrementals.

[Dima P.]

This limitation affects beta version only. In GA version mapping works as described in this KB article.

[BCT-Tech]

This limitation affects beta version only. In GA version mapping works as described in this KB article.

That article talks about VAW to VBR repository. Will mapping work without VBR being involved (VAW only)?

[Dima P.]

Yes, It will work. Check this thread.