Cloning and Recovery of Expired

Save Sets for

EMC NetWorker Module for

Microsoft Applications

Technical Note

P/N 300-012-717
REV A01
May 25, 2011

This technical note contains information on how to clone and recover expired save
sets for NetWorker Module for Microsoft Applications. It includes the following
sections:

Overview of EMC Technical Advisory esg121813.................................................. 2

Frequently Asked Questions ..................................................................................... 4

Overview of EMC Technical Advisory esg121813

Overview of EMC Technical Advisory esg121813

EMC Technical Advisory (ETA) esg121813 provides information on how to
properly clone and recover from expired save sets for NetWorker Module for
Microsoft Applications (NMM).
This Technical Note includes an initial section on the ETA content, followed by a
section of the frequently asked questions that are specific to the ETA.
To review the ETA, see the following path on Powerlink.EMC.com:
Home > Support > Technical Documentation and Advisories > Technical
Advisories > NetWorker - Support ETA List

Affected Products
All versions of the NMM software. Cloning only applies to NMM release 2.2 and
later.

Symptoms
Failure to recover from NMM save sets, either cloned or original, when one or
more required save sets are no longer browsable or present in the media database.

Cause
The NMM software uses NetWorker snapshot management technology to perform
the backup, which creates multiple save sets regardless of the filesystems or clients
involved. This is different from traditional NetWorker filesystem backups, which
creates one save set for each filesystem.
Because the NMM software creates multiple save sets during a run of a NetWorker
backup group, ensure that all save sets that were created during an NMM backup
are included in the cloning process. Failure to clone all of these save sets might
result in an inability to perform a restore operation from the clone copy.

Resolution
This ETA provides details on how to successfully recover from original or cloned
NMM backups that are no longer browsable or present in the media database.
The following sources have been developed to assist customer.

This Technical Note provides additional details on the cloning and recovery
procedures.
The NetWorker Procedure Generator (NPG) has been updated to provide
application-specific procedures for NMM cloning configuration and NMM
recoveries. Frequently Asked Questions on page 4 provides more
information on the NPG and the NMM specific changes.

EMC Cloning and Recovery of Expired Save Sets for NetWorker Module for Microsoft Applications Technical Note

Overview of EMC Technical Advisory esg121813

The new EMC NetWorker Cloning Integration Guide provides advice and details
on NetWorker cloning procedures and a chapter on NMM cloning.
Information in this guide applies to NetWorker server versions prior to
NetWorker 7.6 SP2. Frequently Asked Questions on page 4 provides more
details on this new guide.

Required NetWorker Server Versions

The following NetWorker server versions are required for successful NMM
cloning and recovery operations. Quick recovery of NMM data from expired or
cloned data cannot be assured if these versions detailed are not used and the
recommendations and practices outlined in the EMC NetWorker Cloning Integration
Guide and in the NPG are not followed.
NetWorker Server and Storage Node Version

Required hot fix or version

NetWorker server 7.6.2

None

NetWorker server 7.6.1 (RTM)

Cumulative build NetWorker server 7.6.1.5a or later

NetWorker server 7.6.0

Cumulative build NetWorker server 7.6.1.5a or later

or
Cumulative build NetWorker server 7.6.0.9b or later

NetWorker server 7.5.4

Cumulative build NetWorker server 7.5.4.2 or later

NetWorker server 7.5.3 and earlier

Cumulative build NetWorker server 7.5.4.2 or later

or
Cumulative build NetWorker server 7.5.3.3c or later

Data Domain to Data Domain cloning requires NetWorker 7.6.1.5 or later. If Data Domain to Data
Domain cloning is not used, then NetWorker 7.6.1.1 or later can be used.

b NetWorker 7.6.0.9 does not contain the fix for NW123859. Frequently Asked Questions on page 4

provides more information.

c NetWorker 7.5.3.3 does not contain the fix for NW123859. Frequently Asked Questions on page 4

provides more information.

If you are considering cloning or currently perform cloning of NMM backups,

review Frequently Asked Questions on page 4, the application-specific
procedures in the NPG, and the EMC NetWorker Cloning Integration Guide. This will
ensure that the software configuration is complete and valid to enable successful
recoveries.
The NPG provides procedures for recovering NMM save sets from both the
original backup save sets and cloned save sets. When the NMM save sets are
present in the media database are in a browsable state, special steps are not
required to recover data from the cloned save sets.
Additional steps in the NPG are required if the save sets to be recovered are:

In a recoverable state or eligible for recycling

No longer present in the media database of the NetWorker server.

EMC Cloning and Recovery of Expired Save Sets for NetWorker Module for Microsoft Applications Technical Note

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about cloning and
recovering expired save sets with the NMM software.
Question

What are the multiple NMM save sets mentioned in the ETA?

Answer

These save sets are explained in detail in the following section of the NPG:
Configuration > NMM Operations procedures. The NMM chapter of the EMC
NetWorker Cloning Integration Guide (NetWorker 7.6 SP2) also includes
information on NMM save sets.
The EMC NetWorker Cloning Integration Guide provides information on
NetWorker cloning, staging, planning, configuration, and recovering from
clones. It also includes chapters that are dedicated to cloning NMM and
NetWorker Module for Databases and Applications. The guide is available on
Powerlink at the following path:
Home > Support > Technical Documentation and Advisories > Software ~ J-O
~ Documentation > NetWorker Family > NetWorker > 7.6 & Service Packs
With the exception of the scheduled cloning section, all information about
cloning and recovery in the EMC NetWorker Cloning Integration Guide can be
applied to earlier NetWorker server versions. Scheduled cloning is only available
with NetWorker 7.6.1 and later.

Question

Where can I get the NPG?

Answer

The latest version of NPG is version 3.9e, which can be downloaded from
Powerlink at the following path:
Support > Product and Diagnostic Tools > Procedure Generators > NetWorker
Procedure Generator
If you have already installed NPG, the next time that you open NPG, you will be
prompted to perform an application update as well as a repository update.
When the updates are completed, the version of NPG will be 3.9e.

EMC Cloning and Recovery of Expired Save Sets for NetWorker Module for Microsoft Applications Technical Note

Frequently Asked Questions

Question

What does the latest version of NPG provide?

Answer

The latest version of NPG includes NMM clone configuration, NMM recovery,
and NetWorker 7.6 SP2 procedures. The following NMM procedures contain
important details and requirements on configuring, and recovering NMM
original and cloned save sets.

To configure manual, scheduled, group, save set, and volume cloning of the
following databases, navigate to Configuration > NMM Operations in
NPG:
Microsoft DPM
Microsoft Hyper-V
Microsoft Exchange including Microsoft Exchange 2010
Microsoft SharePoint including Microsoft SharePoint 2010
Microsoft SQL

To restore NMM save sets for the following databases, in the NPG, navigate
to Recovering with NetWorker > NMM Recoveries in NPG:
Microsoft DPM
Microsoft Hyper-V
Microsoft Exchange including Microsoft Exchange 2010
Microsoft SharePoint including Microsoft SharePoint 2010
Microsoft SQL

To review and troubleshoot restore failures of NMM save sets, navigate to

Recovering with NetWorker > NMM Recoveries in NPG.

Question

Why is NW123859 important?

Answer

This defect corrects a problem with using the scanner command to repopulate
the client and media indexes. If you need to scan volumes to complete a
recovery, then using a NetWorker server version that has this fix will ensure that
the scans complete without an issue.
The alternative if you do not want to upgrade the NetWorker server to version
7.5.4.2 or 7.6.1.5 from version 7.5.3.x or 7.6.0.x is to run the following command
before rerunning the scanner command, if you encounter a problem when
scanning save sets:
nsrck -L 2 client_name

The nsrck -L 2 command cleans up the data left over from the failed scanner
command.
Note: If you run NetWorker server 7.6.0.x or 7.5.3.x, then you should upgrade to
NetWorker 7.6.1.5 or NetWorker 7.5.4.2.

EMC Cloning and Recovery of Expired Save Sets for NetWorker Module for Microsoft Applications Technical Note

Frequently Asked Questions

Question

I have been cloning my NMM backups. How can I verify that all of my NMM
save sets for all of my backups have been cloned properly?

Answer

Review the NPG or the EMC NetWorker Cloning Integration Guide for
information.
The mminfo command is used to identify all of the NMM save sets. In cases
where save set information is no longer in the client index or the media index,
then additional steps will be required.

Question

Does this ETA and the advice provided relate to all NMM supported
applications or is it specific to certain Microsoft applications or
configurations?

Answer

NMM backups are based on NetWorker snapshot management technology and

as a result will have multiple save sets created. This advice applies to all
applications although Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft SharePoint
applications typically have more save sets and are more common.

Question

I am using the EMC Microsoft Exchange plug-in (nsr_exchange2010 binary) for

Microsoft Exchange 2010. What do I need to do to properly clone these
backups?

Answer

This ETA does not apply to the EMC Microsoft Exchange plug-in.
Regular NetWorker cloning procedures apply when using the EMC Microsoft
Exchange plug-in. The EMC NetWorker Cloning Integration Guide provides
general cloning information.

Question

What are my options if the recovery from my save sets or cloned save sets does
not work?

Answer

If a recovery of save sets or cloned save sets fails, review the following
procedures that are identified in NPG and in the EMC NetWorker Cloning
Integration Guide.
The procedures and commands in these documents will assist in the
identification of the NMM save sets and will help to verify that they are
browsable prior to attempting a recovery:

In the NPG, select Recovery with NetWorker > NMM Recoveries >
Troubleshooting Recovery Issues.
In the EMC NetWorker Cloning Integration Guide, review the "Troubleshooting
NMM clone operations" section in the NMM chapter.
If after reviewing these procedures you are not able to find all of the
required save sets, contact EMC Customer Support for assistance.

EMC Cloning and Recovery of Expired Save Sets for NetWorker Module for Microsoft Applications Technical Note

Frequently Asked Questions

Question

How do I clone moving forward?

Answer

The NPG provides application-specific procedures. Navigate to

Configuration > NMM Operations.
The NMM chapter in the EMC NetWorker Cloning Integration Guide provides
general information on how to clone.

Question

How do I verify that cloning of the NMM backups is working?

Answer

A test recovery from the clone is the best way to confirm that you have properly
cloned the NMM backup (all save sets) correctly. Whether the clones were
created through scripts or some other method, validation of these clones is the
same.
For information on validating clones, refer to either of the following sources:

In the NPG, navigate to Configuration > NMM Operations

The NMM chapter in the EMC NetWorker Cloning Integration Guide

Question

What are the procedures to scan in expired NMM save sets, including clones?

Answer

The scanner command is used to repopulate the media database and the client
file index when save set information is no longer browsable.
Procedures for rebuilding the indexes are outlined in the NPG recovery
procedures and in the EMC NetWorker Cloning Integration Guide.
Note: The order of scanning is important, as described in the procedures.

Question

What modifications do I need to make to my cloning script for it to clone

properly?

Answer

Sufficient information on CLI commands and parameters to detect all required

save sets are available in the configuration section of the NPG and in the EMC
NetWorker Cloning Integration Guide.
Scripts may not need to be modified. However, certain parameters do not
display all NMM save sets. These documents outline which parameters will
display the required information and which ones should not be used since they
do not report all of the save sets.
Contact Professional Services for assistance with your custom scripts.

EMC Cloning and Recovery of Expired Save Sets for NetWorker Module for Microsoft Applications Technical Note

Frequently Asked Questions

Question

Are all backup devices affected by this advisory?

Answer

Yes, the device that is used as the backup or cloning target does not make any
difference to the advice provided.
Some recovery operations can vary depending on the device, but it is equally
important to have all the save sets available regardless of the devices that are
used.

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EMC Cloning and Recovery of Expired Save Sets for NetWorker Module for Microsoft Applications Technical Note