How to backup a mapped network drive
Hi All,
We are currently implementing a Barracuda Email Archiver onto our network. The archiver works great; however, we are running into a snag with backing it up. It discussions with Barracuda directly, they mentioned that we could map the internal storage to a letter drive on a Windows server and then use our normal backup protocol to back that up. We are running into an issue with this because we use Appasure for our backups and with it, you need to install an agent on the server in which you want to backup- something not possible with the archiver server.
So I'm trying to figure out an easier way to back this drive up. I thought about using Windows Server backup; however, it doesn't allow you select a mapped network drive. Does anyone have any suggestions on an easy way of doing this without having to purchase software? I've thought about writing a script that copy the contents of the drive to a location on the server and then mapping that location to get backed up with appasure.
We are using Server 2008 R2 and Appasure 5.0
We are currently implementing a Barracuda Email Archiver onto our network. The archiver works great; however, we are running into a snag with backing it up. It discussions with Barracuda directly, they mentioned that we could map the internal storage to a letter drive on a Windows server and then use our normal backup protocol to back that up. We are running into an issue with this because we use Appasure for our backups and with it, you need to install an agent on the server in which you want to backup- something not possible with the archiver server.
So I'm trying to figure out an easier way to back this drive up. I thought about using Windows Server backup; however, it doesn't allow you select a mapped network drive. Does anyone have any suggestions on an easy way of doing this without having to purchase software? I've thought about writing a script that copy the contents of the drive to a location on the server and then mapping that location to get backed up with appasure.
We are using Server 2008 R2 and Appasure 5.0
ASKER
When I use these directions, it comes up as a Disconnected Network Drive NTFS.
The trouble with subst, is that the user athentication will still have to be in place for the user account under whichthe backup software runs. If you are using a custom user account to run the backup service, then subst may be workable. If you are using a built-in service account, then any way of connecting the network drive will run into authentication issues. It may still be workable, but I would say that your best option, if you can't get software on the archiving server, would be your script idea.
Using robocopy, with appropriate flags, you can keep a local mirror of the data on the mapped drive that is updated each time you run robocopy. This will keep network traffic to a minimum, other than the first copy, and could be run every so often throughout the day, or just prior to your backup. Your script will still have to be run with user credentials that can access the network location, but it is often easier to configure a script to run under the proper credentials, then a backup service.
Using robocopy, with appropriate flags, you can keep a local mirror of the data on the mapped drive that is updated each time you run robocopy. This will keep network traffic to a minimum, other than the first copy, and could be run every so often throughout the day, or just prior to your backup. Your script will still have to be run with user credentials that can access the network location, but it is often easier to configure a script to run under the proper credentials, then a backup service.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Great to hear you came up with a solution. It always surprises me how locked into a question I get sometimes. I have used different backup software, like Cobian, in the past that are able to backup network drives, but I didn't even think about those because of the details that you provided. Using that kind of software will be much better than trying to script out your own solution. Thanx for the kick in the pants...
ASKER
I've learned that sometimes it's the simplest ways to complete things. Most people on here offer amazing solutions; however, sometimes the solution is right under your nose.
But again, thank you for the suggestion, I'm actually happier to know that you've used Cobian before.
But again, thank you for the suggestion, I'm actually happier to know that you've used Cobian before.
ASKER
Found a great tool to complete the problem.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb491006.aspx