WinNT 4.0 backup utility

[mucous]

Hello,

Is there any way to schedule the WinNT backup to begin at specific times? Normally we use Veritas, and scheduling is built in, however there have been issues with the server. I have set up an alternate server without Veritas. I am hoping to run backups on it until the issues on the main backup are resolved. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[caddnima]

If you are refering to data backup...

I use xxcopy for the actual backup. (xxcopy.com - free)
and for the scheduler... I use built-in task scheduler...

If you are running the latest pack... it should be...

Double click My Computer -> Task Scheduler

 

[mucous]

Thanks caddnima,

I'll look into xxcopy. I'm pretty sure I'm on the latest service pack, however I don't see the task scheduler that you mentioned. Is this installable from the service pack CD by any chance?

 

[caddnima]

ok, we are talking about NT4.0 right?

My mistake....

My computer... then Schedule task....

Service Pack 06

 

[mucous]

Yes, I'm on NT 4.0. I still don't see the task scheduler. Guess I need to look into what SP the machine is. Is XXCopy a requirement, or would I be able to run the standard NT tape backup within Task Scheduler once I have it setup.

Thanks again for your helpfulness.

 

[caddnima]

I dont know anything about NT Backup. Sorry, but it should work within Task Scheduler.

I use xxcopy because of the many options that goes with it.

 

[mucous]

I understand. Thanks again caddnima!

 

[caddnima]

are using tape backup on this alternate server?

 

[mucous]

Yes,

Basically,

I'm having problems with backups crashing the main server so I found an older server tucked away in storage. I'm attempting to resurrect it as a temporary backup solution until the main seerver backup issue can be addressed. I was hoping to use the backup utility included with NT, however it does not allow scheduling. At this point, it doesn't look like the alternate server is on SP6 either. Dang. Well, I'll get the SP straight then see how things go.

 

[JimInKS]

I think that Task Scheduler gets installed with one of the ie updates. (Just gota love MS)
I have ie 5.5 sp2 installed an I have it:
My Computer -> Task Scheduler

Have not used NT backup, but you should be able to schedule a backup job and have it run.
You may also be able to use the older and cruder AT scheduler.

Take a look at this MS article:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;q103474

 

[mucous]

Thanks JimInKS,

I seem to recall seeing task scheduler installed after doing IE udates too. Never thought much of it until now. I'm going to do the SP6a install, then udate IE if scheduler doesn't show up. Thanks for the great advice!
That article was just what I was looking for!

 

[shantanu125]

Hi ,
I think you can easily schedule backup jobs by using 'at' command at command prompt.

shantanu

 

[Blutch]

for parameters - Start - Run - ntbackup /?

Put your backup lines in a batch file and schedule it with the at command (at /? for help). Be sure to have an account running (not system account) with the necessary permissions on the schedule service if you want to take backups of other servers as well.

Blutch

 

[mucous]

Hey thanks again for the advice. I got SP6a setup, then updated IE and the scheduler appeared. Will begin looking into AT commands and batch files now. This is all kinda new to me. I'm making my move up from support to administration and really appreciate everyone's helpful tips.

Happy holidays everyone!

 

[JimInKS]

mviker,
Probably should clarify a point.
The scheduler that ie installs is different than the AT scheduler. You already had AT, it is a command line utility. At a DOS prompt you can type AT/? to see options. The Task Scheduler that IE installs is a GUI version that is easier to use.

Good luck and let us know how things work out.

 

[mucous]

JiminKS,

Yes, As I understand it, the AT scheduler is for creating backups, and the GUI scheduler is used to perform restores.

I've created a command file called MyBackup.cmd (straight off the Microsoft site) and altered it to backup the 3 drives I want covered. The file runs fine, Now I just need to set up the AT file to run it on a schedule.
You wouldn't by any chance know of any links on all of the AT commands/switches that are out there?

I saw the basics by typing AT /?, and checked the help in NT, however, I'm under the impression that there are many more.

Have a good one.

 

[mucous]

Ok,

I scheduled a job with AT scheduler, but it didn't run. I guess this is a dumb question, but where does my backup.cmd file need to reside? in the WINNT directoory? C: drive? Also, when creating the AT schedule, do I need to specify the file location? I think my trouble is the backup.cmd file is not found by the scheduler.