VBR11a : Moving backups across extents to free-up disk space

[ThierryF]

Hi,

Time ago, we created a Scale-Out SOBR Repository with 2 50TB extents, each one being a ReFS raidset from
a Win2016 server. These 2 extents are now getting full.

We bought second file server and extended with 2 similar 60 TB extents our SOBR, each one being a ReFS
raidset on Win2019.

Still running VBR11a, is it an easy way to free-up extents 1&2 disk space and move them
to 3&4 manually without disturbing backup chaining ? I know VBR12 now supports easier
balance/move accross extents, but what about VBR11a ?

I only plan VBR Upgrade to 12 by the end of year but not earlier.

Thanks for ideas...

Th

[Mildur]

Hi Thierry

V11a doesn't have such methods. Moving backup files will blow them up. Meaning a full backup will take it's entire size.
In V12, you may use our rebalancing feature. Please note, you won't be able to run backup or restore sessions while the rebalancing is running. Currently we don't recommend to use it for big extends. Moving dozens of TB may take a long time.
If you want to know more, you can read about it here:
https://helpcenter.veeam.com/docs/backu ... ml?ver=120

Best,
Fabian

[ThierryF]

Hello Fabian,

I do not want to move dozens of TB, now, just freeing space by moving small Vms between extents
I found this KB : https://www.veeam.com/kb2236
Do you think I could migrate small VMs backup chains (the entire folder of a job from extent 1 to extent 3 for eg)
from an extend to another inside same SOBR and then rescan both extents ?

Th

[Mildur]

Please use this Kb article for moving files between extends:
https://www.veeam.com/kb3100

You will loose Fast Clone space savings while moving the backup files. Also you need to run an active full or compact operation after you have manually moved the files for leveraging Fast Clone again.

Do you think I could migrate small VMs backup chains (the entire folder of a job from extent 1 to extent 3 for eg)

Only move the backup files (vbk, vib, vrb). The metadata file *.vbm must be kept on all extends in the same folder structure.

Best,
Fabian

[Mildur]

Updated my post. With the correct KB article:
https://www.veeam.com/kb3100

[ThierryF]

Thanks for advises !
Th

[Mildur]

You're welcome.

Best,
Fabian