Very slow backup of remote sql databases

[HellTel]

Hi all
Long time, no post!

We've installed a new server cluster here and I need to backup some of the databases on it. Unfortunately, I'm limited to BackupExec 8.6.
When I back up the new databases, I'm only getting about 4-5 MB/min throughput, whereas using all the same kit, but backing up databases from another server, I'm getting about 100(!) times that.
SQL Agent is installed.
Remote Agent is installed on both machines in the cluster.
Open File agent is installed on both machines in the cluster (I'm sure, how do I tell?).
Machines are Windows Server 2003.
BackupExec is running on Windows Server 2000.

Any help appreciated.
Many thanks
Terry

Hope I helped / Thanks for helping
if ((Math.abs(x)<10&&Math.abs<10) && (((parseInt(Math.abs(x).toString()+Math.abs.toString())-Math.abs(x)-Math.abs)%9)!=0)) {alert(&quot;I'm a monkey's uncle&quot;}

 

[SQLBill]

I don't know what's causing your slow throughput, but it might be because you are trying to backup SQL Server using Backup Exec.

I find it's best to use SQL Server's BACKUP DATABASE commands to make a backup to disk and then use Backup Exec to copy the backup files to tape.

-SQLBill

 

[HellTel]

Hi SQLBill
Doesn't that defeat the point of having the SQL Agent intalled?

And anyway, the other SQL Server Databases are backing up extremely quickly, so it's nothing to do with backing up SQL databases using BackupExec.

Thanks for your input, but I think we still need to be looking for something else. I definitely want to backup the databases using BackupExec.

Thanks
Terry

Hope I helped / Thanks for helping
if ((Math.abs(x)<10&&Math.abs<10) && (((parseInt(Math.abs(x).toString()+Math.abs.toString())-Math.abs(x)-Math.abs)%9)!=0)) {alert(&quot;I'm a monkey's uncle&quot;}

 

[SQLBill]

Well, yes it does defeat the purpose of having it. That's why when we bought BE for another setup, we didn't include SQL Agent.

We had too many problems with it, so we no longer trust it. Of course, the 'bug' was to a very specific set up. Had to have SQL Server 2000, clustered active/passive, on Win2k Advanced Server, and there were some other specifics. If you had that set up and BE 8.6 build 3708 (I think that was the build), then none of your backups could be restored. I had to send my tapes to Veritas for recovery after a crash and it took almost 2 months to get the data recovered.

-SQLBill

 

[steveot]

First ...why do we need the Open file Option on a SQL server? This is know to cause issue. If you using the SQL agent, then it will grab the databases as needed. I would edit the job not to use OFO. You can verify the OFO is running or install by start-run-winmsd - software environment - drivers. In 8.6 there should be driver called otman5.sys running or located system32\drivers folder. Dont delete the file if present...the server will never come back up after a reboot. Just a side note your configuration is unsupported..Veritas doesnt support 8.6 and 2003 servers. I would create a Backup to Disk folder and create a new job and backup a couple database.point the job the backup to disk. Dont use the OFO option. This will take the tape device out of the loop..although you say your getting good rates on remote servers. Jost for testing.

 

[HellTel]

SQLBill
Apart from the fact that it's an active/active 2003 cluster, it's a pretty similar setup, so maybe that's the problem.

steveot
Open file option is there in case we need to back up any other files that may be on there.
Disabling it didn't make any difference.
I bypassed the tape and made a Backup To Disk folder, still not using the OFO option, but this also didn't make any difference.

So I'm thinking that it's an 8.6/Win2003 problem.
As it's an active/active cluster, each pointing to a different RAID array, I may end up just using an SQL backup to back up each one to the other.

Thanks for your help guys.

Hope I helped / Thanks for helping
if ((Math.abs(x)<10&&Math.abs<10) && (((parseInt(Math.abs(x).toString()+Math.abs.toString())-Math.abs(x)-Math.abs)%9)!=0)) {alert(&quot;I'm a monkey's uncle&quot;}

 

[SQLBill]

What is the build number of your Backup Exec 8.6?

Go to Help>About Backup Exec

Then go to Veritas' site and make sure you have the latest.

-SQLBill

 

[HellTel]

Build number is 3878. There are no downloads available when I select that, so I presume it is the latest.

Hope I helped / Thanks for helping
if ((Math.abs(x)<10&&Math.abs<10) && (((parseInt(Math.abs(x).toString()+Math.abs.toString())-Math.abs(x)-Math.abs)%9)!=0)) {alert(&quot;I'm a monkey's uncle&quot;}

 

[steveot]

HellTel - I would use the SQL backup for now, but I have to tell you that running 8.6 on 2003 is playing with fire. Yes it may work fine for you, but if you call Veritas you know where they will send you.

 

[SQLBill]

8.6 build 3878 is the latest. You might also try applying HOTFIX 4 (I think that's part of build 3878, but I'm not sure). HOTFIX 4 was the specific fix for the SQL Server issue.

-SQLBill

 

[HellTel]

Well guys, thanks for your help.
I think what I'll do is use SQL backup for now, but also try to get 9.1 for the 2003 servers.
I appreciate your help, but I think we're fighting a losing battle here.

Thanks again
Terry

Hope I helped / Thanks for helping
if ((Math.abs(x)<10&&Math.abs<10) && (((parseInt(Math.abs(x).toString()+Math.abs.toString())-Math.abs(x)-Math.abs)%9)!=0)) {alert(&quot;I'm a monkey's uncle&quot;}

 

[jasonhall]

You shoult try a product called SQL LiteSpeed. This product highly compresses (I've found about 90%) the database before writting to tape. It should save you a lot of space and time. I think the website to download a trial is

http://www.imceda.com

 

[ImtheDude]

I've also experienced this problem. Check the setting of your NIC and hard code it to match your switch. Don't rely on Auto it causes issues.