Test and Then Test Again: VERY Important with Computer
Backup Systems
With any newly installed computer backup
system, don't assume everything works correctly right out of the
box. Even more important, don't take for granted that your backup
system will continue working indefinitely. You need periodically to
restore some folders and files from your backup media to validate
that your system still works.
If your automated backup routine is configured
to include a verify run with each backup job, testing a sample
restore job monthly should be adequate. However, if you have an
extremely low tolerance for risk, you may want to simulate a sample
restore job once a week.
Note:
A verify job compares the contents of what was just backed up to
media against what resides on the hard drive.
The Hazard of Moving Parts and Open Design with Computer Backup
Systems
Why do you need to take these precautions if
you’re purchasing a reliable, business-class computer backup
system to start with? Typically, a tape drive or other backup device
is one of the few components in a PC or server that still have
moving parts.
As a result, it’s prone to mechanical
failure. In addition, because a backup device generally is open, as
opposed to the sealed design of a hard drive, it’s easy for the
inside of the backup device to attract a significant dust buildup in
a relatively short period of time.
Sample Restore Jobs and Cleaning Tape Heads of Computer Backup
Systems
Testing a tape for a sample restore job is also
a great time to clean the heads of the backup drive if your backup
system requires this kind of maintenance.
Restoring a few hundred megabytes (MB) of data
to a scratch directory and running a head-cleaning tape should take
no more than 15 to 30 minutes.
When running a test restore job, always restore
the data to an alternate server folder path, so as not to disrupt
the use of any shared folders.
Tip:
If you use Microsoft Outlook, a personal information manager
(PIM) or a similar scheduling program, you may want to set up
a recurring monthly or weekly event in your calendar for
testing the backup system and running your head-cleaning tape.
Building a Computer System Backup and Restore Procedure
Checklist
In times of crisis, the most crucial issue
becomes how quickly you can get the data back onto your system,
undamaged.
So, as you build your computer backup system,
be sure to document your test procedures into handy checklists.
This documentation also can be great for
cross-training and crucial for avoiding panic during an emergency.
Be sure you have a hard copy of this documentation next to your
system and stored off-site with your backup media.
Watching the Log Files of Your Computer Backup System
In addition to running test restore jobs, you
must inspect your computer backup system log files daily.
When the backup system is first installed, take
time to get familiar with the way log files look when everything is
working. This way, if something goes awry, you’ll be better
prepared to pinpoint the nature of the problem immediately.
As network operating system (NOS) suites and
backup software have become more sophisticated, it’s now possible
to monitor backup system log files remotely and more proactively. In
most cases, the backup system log files are just plain text (.txt)
files.
Many third-party tools and utilities, as well
as those included with Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server (SBS)
and Microsoft BackOffice Server, can automatically e-mail or fax a
backup system log file at a preconfigured time.
Automatically and Remotely Monitoring Tape Backup Log Files
Many computer consultants have their small
business clients’ log files automatically e-mailed to them daily,
so the consultants proactively can watch out for potential problems
with the backup system.
However, don’t think this proactive
monitoring is limited to professional consultants. If your company
has one or more branch offices you support from a centralized
location, you also can use a similar method to monitor backup system
health in remote locations.
For greater flexibility, you can set up an
e-mail alias so the computer backup system log file automatically is
sent to you, your second-in-command and perhaps an external computer
consultant – so you are all kept in the loop. Also, this way,
monitoring continues even when you’re out of the office or on
vacation.
Computer Backup System Action Items
Are the computer backup system jobs
verified every time one is run? If no, why not?
What's your turnaround time on a restore
request if the media is still on-site? What if it's already
off-site?
Are computer backup job results logged?
Are the computer backup logs spot-checked
to make sure they're accurate and complete? Who's responsible for
investigating any irregularities in the logs?
How often are the computer backup logs
examined?
If the computer backup system fails due to
a hardware error, how quickly can the hardware be replaced?
Who's supposed to be made aware of backup
successes and failures (management, end users)?
How often are individual file and folder
test restores done?
How often are individual mailbox test
restores done?
How often are full volume, database and
full Information Store test restores done?
On a scale of one to ten, how dusty is the
environment that your computer backup system resides in?
|
