Create and use shared file sets on Backup & Disaster Recovery appliance

What is shared file set

A shared file set is a saved definition of what a backup should protect, a saved backup set.

This could be entire volumes, folders, and files.

How shared file set is used

When a new client is created and registered with a device, a shared file set can be selected by drop-down menu in the ‘Edit Client’ page within the appliance Management Console.

Shared file sets are especially useful in virtual (VMware or Hyper-V) environments wherein the option to Automatically backup newly detected VMs is enabled.

This means that when a new VM is created on a registered VM Host, that new VM will automatically be protected to the appliance without the intervention of an Administrator, saving time and reducing risk.

What do you need to create shared file set

To create a shared file set, the only prerequisite is that the appliance has been configured and is active and that you know what you would like to protect.

Creating shared file set

1. In the appliance Management Console, go to Clients › Shared File Sets.

   A table will appear with Shared File Sets that already exist (or empty).

2. Click New above the Name header in the first column.

3. Enter a name and define an operating system for the file set.

   These can be changed later.

Editing shared file set

Once named, the File Set Editor dialog appears with various options:

1. Promote jobs to full after file set configuration changes.

   If you edit a file set, checking this box means the very next backup will be a full instead of an incremental. This makes sense and is recommended for most cases.

2. Windows Options (VSS).

   • Unless you are setting up a file set for Hyper-V, you want to check the box to modify settings.

     Use the Service with All non-excluded writers (recommended).

   • If for Hyper-V, then select Do not use the service since we will be relying on our own writer instead of VSS.

3. Backup Plug-in Control.

   If you are backing up Exchange or SQL, then you will always want to check the box for Enable Override.

   Use Client Config refers only to much older versions of the appliance (before v6) wherein the backup set was configured within the client on the machine itself. Now, all settings are managed from this console.

4. Starting Directories and Files.

   1. Select “new” and you will be given a new window to identify specific volumes/folders for backup.

      1. For each volume or folder address, enter a new line (like old INI-files).

         Browsing only works if editing the file set of a specific client, not when create a new file set on its own.

      2. We recommend checking the boxes to ‘include subdirectories’.

      3. We also recommend to check ‘preserve access times’ for your files.

      4. Signature check will provide options to determine if a file is unique/changed or not.

         SHA1 or MD5 are provided options. Choose based on your compliance, or go with SHA1 if you are not sure. These hashes are both recognized in US courts when proving ownership of data.

      5. Other settings are used in special cases and not typically checked.

   2. Click OK.

5. Assigning Share File Sets.

   • To assign a shared file set, open the Edit page for one of your clients.

   • In the file set section, use the drop-down to choose from one of your available file sets.

6. File Set Table Summary.

   When you open the Shared File Set tab, you will see all existing file sets and the number of clients currently using them.