Link to home
Start Free TrialLog in
Avatar of noooodlez
noooodlez

asked on

Manually editing ntbackup bks file in notepad

Hi
I have done a fair bit of research on this and have hit a blank. I am trying to simplify the nightly backup by use of scripts. I have everything working, my only stubbling block is getting the bks file to load.

If I edit the bks file in notepad, ntbackup launches, then fails immediately without error. There are loads of websites saying that this should possible, and I have indeed done this in the past, HOWEVER, it seems that microsoft changed something in notepad, and when saving a unicode text file, it now writes a header that ntbackup cant handle.

I am aware that I can create the file through NTBackup GUI, however my preference is to do it through notepad for ease of setup. Use of %EnvironmentVariables% would be a bonus, but I may be pushing it with that one.

I have experimented with notepad++ (saving and unicode without BOM) with no joy. I have also looked at a binary editor, but is more messing around than the GUI.

Any ideas on how I can save this file?
Avatar of Bryon H
Bryon H
Flag of United States of America image

what exactly are you trying to do?  launch a backup by using a script?

or edit the content of a bkf file while using notepad?  if this, in hopes to achieve what?
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
Avatar of Bryon H
Bryon H
Flag of United States of America image

Link to home
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Start Free Trial
Avatar of noooodlez
noooodlez

ASKER

Hi, Thanks for the response.
OK, got around to trying this and it a couple of snags. Probably best if i describe the behaviour that I am seeing.
Using the example above...
» newjob.bks is created and launched. (the fact it is launched is an annoyance).
» The contents of the bks file are displayed to me.
» I close newjob.bks (I am not prompted to save as I have not affacted any changes).
» On reopening the file to view contents, it is empty / 0kb.

Am i missing something? A text editor is still my preferred option, but this is certainly a viable working solution.
how is it launching... you're just saving it right?
i don't know if there's a graphical way to edit/save it without changing the headers
Hi,
Finally got around to finishing this project. I mis-read/typed the original post so solution works!!

Many thanks for your advice.