3rd part VSS Provider - Replica issue

[mamosorre84]

Hello,

I have to replicate a Windows DC to our DR environment.

The problem is that when I run the replica job I receive the error

"Error: Unfreeze error: [Backup job failed.
Cannot create a shadow copy of the volumes containing writer's data.
A VSS critical writer has failed. Writer name: [NTDS]. Class ID: [{b2014c9e-8711-4c5c-a5a9-3cf384484757}]. Instance ID: [{dec2e69d-e626-42ef-b04b-436bd366df62}]. Writer's state: [VSS_WS_FAILED_AT_POST_SNAPSHOT]. Error code: [0x800423f4].] "

I've already verified this KB https://www.veeam.com/kb1697 but all parameters are correct.

I'm pretty sure (I've already tried to uninstall it and retried replica with success) that the cause is the 3rd part VSS provider installed to perform backup.

My question is: is there a way to make the two methods coexist?

Thank you

Marco

[HannesK]

Hello,
could you help me to understand a little bit more what you mean with the 3rd party VSS provider that you installed / uninstalled?

What is that second method?

Thanks,
Hannes

[mamosorre84]

Hi Hannes,

sorry, I try to explain better:

we are using another software to perform the backup, this software requires an agent and a VSS provider installed in the server. (1st method)

We would like to use Veeam B&R (with application-aware enabled in the replica job) for replication purpose. (2nd method)

If I try the replica job with the 3rd part VSS installed in the server, the job fails.

If I uninstall the 3rd part VSS provider, the job completes successfully.

Marco

[HannesK]

Hello Marco,
first of all it is important that if you use replication, to do it with VSS / Application aware processing to avoid issues with USN rollback (except maybe it is the only domain controller but even then I would strongly recommend application aware image processing).

The question is: could you use Veeam also for backup?

Well, or use AD native built-in replication...

Best regards,
Hannes

[mamosorre84]

If I could use Veeam also for backup I would have been happier..

I understand the importance to use application aware, especially for active directory..for this reason I would like to know if there is a solution!

[HannesK]

you could open a case at the other backup software vendor and ask him to write a better VSS provider

[mamosorre84]

Thank you, you have been very helpful!

[HannesK]

Sorry, I know - but for us there is no realistic way to fix that. We just use Microsoft APIs