File too large error

[CoolHand]

Hello,

I have a policy that backs up quite a few machines together. The main VBK file is 259.999 GB and I have just started getting

Client Error: File too large

Am I correct in assuming that the backup file has a 260 GB or so limit?

Thanks,
Luke

[Gostev]

Hello Luke - no, backup file does not have any limit. We have many customers having multi-terabyte backup files, and I have not seen such error before. Could you please send us all logs from Help | Support Information for investigation.

[ssimakov]

CoolHand, I suppose that you use ESX as a target for backup. In such a case most likely it is not a limitation of Backup but a limitation of filesize on VMFS volumes with block size of 1 MB. Could you please check the block size used on the target VMFS?

[CoolHand]

That sounds more likely but... Errr... Can I see that from within VM Virtual center or do I need to pry an answer out of the SAN guys?

[ssimakov]

Yes, you can see the block size used for the volume by opening ESX Configuration - Storage in VI client.

[Ben Milligan]

To add to this, CoolHand, here are the limitations per blocksize for VMFS volumes:

1 MB for 256 GB
2 MB for 512 GB
4 MB for 1024 GB
and 8 MB for 2048 GB

Keep in mind that you cannot change the block size without reformating the volume. Your VMDK is slightly above the threshold of the 1mb block size.