What is the optimum media file size for Backup Exec 9.1?

[rgeils]

I am running a Windows AD network and backing up to a central location (Backup Server using 6 external 250 GB HD's. I am trying to determine the optimum file size for the media sets. I currently have a Daily Media set, Weekly Media set, and Monthly Media set using 1 GB files. It just creates LOTS of files (what's the advantage/disadvantage?) Also, how should I configure append/overwrite on each media set if I want to keep Daily media for 5 weeks, Weekly media for 12 weeks (3 months), and Monthly media for 26 weeks (6 months)?

 

[Zelandakh]

Optimum file size is a mix of "it depends" and "it isn't relevant". Little files vs big files is dependent on file types / sizes, architecture / backplanes. I've not seen anyone worrying about it ever.

Append overwrite on that? Not sure on your justification on having those.
Daily for 5 weeks means you need a tape at least 5 times the size of the data and you'll have a tape that has data that is a month old.
Weekly for 12 weeks. One tape or 12?
Monthly for 26 weeks. Similar question.

It isn't a bad plan and having a backup plan is better than a lot of places.

Have a read and then ignore this old blog post:

http://nickgillott.blogspot.com/2006/10/backup-strategy.html

 

[rgeils]

ok, thanks. So file size doesn't matter.I'll leave it at 1 gb. For overwrite protection, I work in a school district and they want to be able to go back 6 months and retrieve data if necessary.