Convert backup chain for long term archive

[Rudolf]

Hi

I have a big (big for us) file server that I need to archive the monthly backups for long term retention.

Problem: There are multiple Full backups in the backup chain using (+-50%) more space than needed.
See sample files below

Support (case: 06007436) says I'm screwed, and there's nothing that can be done about this.

Logic says, If I have valid backups I should be able to (at least in a long and tedious process) restore the backups and re-create the chain with a new job.
e.g. Restore earliest restore point, make a full backup of it.
Restore 2nd oldest restore point, make an incremental backup of it.
Repeat process for all restore points
End up with 1 Full and rest incremental.

Anyone have experience with this or any recommendation to get similar result?

Sample of the backup files:
Name LastWriteTime Size in GB
---- ------------- ----------
FileServer - Monthly.vbm 01-04-2023 0
FileServer.vib 01-04-2023 162
FileServer.vib 04-03-2023 126
FileServer.vib 04-02-2023 55
FileServer.vib 07-01-2023 30
FileServer.vbk 14-12-2022 2859
FileServer.vib 05-03-2022 231
FileServer.vib 01-01-2022 49
FileServer.vib 04-12-2021 146
FileServer.vib 06-11-2021 81
FileServer.vib 02-10-2021 2251
FileServer.vbk 06-06-2021 2135
FileServer.vib 06-06-2021 27
FileServer.vib 29-05-2021 20
FileServer.vib 23-05-2021 149
FileServer.vib 02-05-2021 0
FileServer.vib 04-04-2021 94
FileServer.vib 07-03-2021 108

[PetrM]

Hi Rudo,

The backups can be deleted by the retention policy only, there is no a supported workaround. Maybe you could try a manual offload of the selected backups to the Capacity Tier (more info on this page)?

Thanks!