Backing up one directory on a semi-regular basis using NDMP

[360Highlander]

Using NetBackup 4.5GA on a Windows 2000 server box.

Here is what I'm being asked to do and I don't even know if it is possible. This would be using NDMP backups from a NetApp filer.

I'm supposed to backup a directory to tape, and set it to never expire. The directory would then be deleted from our network drives. Later, when the directory is filled back up, I'm supposed to back it up to the same tape without rewriting the tape, but appending the information on to what is already there. I'm supposed to do this until the tape is full.

I don't really think this will work using NDMP. However I'm not sure. If it is possible how would I get NetBackup to pick the same tape everytime I run this job (short of making it the only tape available to the drives)?

I'd be happy to provide more information if necessary. Thanks

 

[OHWS]

I would create a unique volume pool that no other backups are using and assign the backup to run the that pool. Then when the backup using that pool it should use a scratch tape and after the backup finishes it will be assigned to that pool. The next backup you run should use the same tape as long as the assigned pool is the same and the retention is the same until the tape is full then it will take from your scratch pool again for the next tape. There are probably other ways to get the same result but this seems to be the easiest method in my opinion. Please note: That I am not using a Netapp filer so it may be different but it should be easy to test an find out.

 

[hpuxrules]

OHWS nailed it. That's the only way I would do it. NDMP backups behave no differently then regular backup as far as media is concerned.

 

[360Highlander]

Ok. Just so I make sure I'm understanding correctly. As long as I have a different volume pool, and the expiration is set to infinite, each new backup will simply be appended to the information that is already there, until the tape is full. Is that correct?

Thanks

 

[hpuxrules]

Exactly!