Arcserve 6.61: Setting Directory Filters?

[WRabbit15]

Arcserve is reporting incomplete backups due to open files (EC=sharing violation), on a NT 4.0 server. I have been trying to establish filters to exclude these files as they are not required to be backed up.

I can blanket exclude files ok: eg *.log, *.txt, but I cannot get the directory path right to exclude files only in a specific directory, or set up a directory filter. No matter what I set up, those files are backed up.

Can anyone give me an example of the correct syntax for directory filters?

This is how the system is setup:

Server(ourserver)
Drive C:
Drive D:

Many thanks

 

[TheLad]

You'd probably be better getting the Open File Agent to be honest. It's a pain in the rear to keep excluding stuff. "My mamma used to say that life is like a box of chocolates .... you never know what you're gonna get!"

 

[WRabbit15]

I'd love to! Unfortunately the client doesn't want to spend the cash to add the open files agent. We've explained that having an incomplete backup isn't necessarily a problem, but they get nervous seeing that. They also have to check their log daily to ensure that none of the warnings relate to important/essential files and if something new appears on the log we get a phone call.

Our one option is to set the filters so that they get a nice complete backup. That way we should ensure a complete back up most of the time.

 

[TheLad]

Let me get this straight: they are prepared to let you put directory filters in the backup (which would be an incopmplete backup) but they are unprepared to fork out a couple of quid in order to resolve the issue completely?

You need to put your foot down mate. Tell them this is what they need, don't let them dictate. You should inform them that you cannot guarantee a full backup unless they do what you say. I would hope that would getthem nervous too! "It's true, its damn true!"