Howto do backup generations (GFS-Grandfather,Father,Son) with Acronis TI. (chain2gen)
I am too having the same issue mentioned earlier in this thread - the backup now hangs at 0% when I try to kick off the job I created for chain2gen. The first backup I ran worked fine and put the .tib file into set0 but now it just hangs whilst running the pre processing file. There is no error code in the Error_messages.txt file.
Any help appreciated - please dont make me revert to Norton Ghost !!!
Oh - I am running Windows 7 Professional if that helps. Cheers.
EDIT: Right clicking each .vbs and .bat and selecting "Unblock" fixed the issue. Now just the issue above to deal with :)
I do not clearly understand what you want so the following is a guess.
I think you want two chain2gen directories
one directory will be for an acronis job which you schedule daily
that param file will contain entries such as this...
C:\chain2gen\sidney_daily\!_USER_SPECIFIED_PARAMS_FOR_ACRONIS.bat
MAX_BACKUP_GENERATIONS=5
TRGR_ON_DAY1=Mon
The above guarantees you 5 generations of history.
each generation spans 7 days and that set of files would be a full taken on mondays followed by 6 daily incr
The acronis backup job of course would be scheduled daily and would use C:\chain2gen\sidney_daily\Acronis_PreProcessing_task.bat
You would also have a 2nd chain2gen folder
this param file would contain an entry such as this...
C:\chain2gen\sidney_monthly\!_USER_SPECIFIED_PARAMS_FOR_ACRONIS.bat
set MAX_BACKUP_GENERATIONS=13
set TRGR_ON_MAX_TIB_CNT=1
The acronis backup job of course would be scheduled to run JUST monthly and would use
C:\chain2gen\sidney_monthly\Acronis_PreProcessing_task.bat
The above guarantees that each and every time the backup job runs it will be a new full backup.
The job will retain 13 generations before throwing away the oldest.
Because this backup job is run by acronis only once a month the end result will be rolling 13 month history/generation
Hope this helps
Absolutely - this helps a great deal !! I did not think of using the set of scripts twice, but now that I re-read the PDF instructions I noticed the sidney_daily & sidney_weekly bit. That was what I was missing.
This is great - I will try it tonight. Thanks in advance.
Can I ask why you suggest 5 weekly's and 13 monthly's ?? Why not 4 and 12 ? Other than that I have set this up as you have suggested and I think it is all going to work nicely !
I just came across this program and it is the answer to my prayers for better automation of the process.
2 questions:
1. My storage medium is an NAS that is password protected. Acronis TIH 2010 has the password, and can log in. But if Acronis_PreProcessing_task.bat runs before TIH logs in, it will need the password, too, and I don't know how to add it to the script.
2. You discuss potential problems with editing a backup task due to a bug in TIH. Does this bug apply if, in addition to editing the task, one also renames it?
Thanks.
--Ron
Ron,
Congratulations. I think you will like the program. Oracledba spent a lot of effort on this to make it work.
Most likely, when he sees your post, if there is an issue, he will respond.
The Acronis_PreProcessing_task.bat is actally initiated by TrueImage. The TI task begins and then turn control over to to C2G so I do not believe C2G will need a password. Usually, the only parameters that C2G needs from you is what you put in the
!_USER_SPECIFIED_PARAMS_FOR_ACRONIS.bat file.
While use of the edit function on the task is discouraged, it is permissible to right click on the TI task name and perform a rename from the right click menu.
The most frequent user error is failure to remove the security blocking. This is discussed in Appendix C of the readme pdf file. The security unblocking is also discussed at length in item 3-B inside my signature index below.
I would also suggest that you read all the 105 previous posts in this thread--especially post #61 & 65 which might be applicable to your NAS but all the posts within this thread have something beneficial to offer.
http://forum.acronis.com/forum/5940?page=1#comment-18219
posts #61 & 65
Thanks, Grover
I've actually read most of the previous posts in this thread, including the two you mentioned (which don't really apply). I had removed the script blocking based on the instructions when I downloaded C2G.
My question about editing was more to avoiding the bug by renaming, and then editing a previous (or clone of a previous) job. My selections of files to back up is not straightforward (there are a bunch in addition to C:\Users\...). Rather than edit the archive.xml, based on how the bug is described (with TIH looking for the NAME of the backup in the archive file), it would seem that renaming the backup task, and then editing it, should also avoid that bug.
My question about the password was prompted because, when I did the first run of Acronis_PreProcessing_task.bat in order to set up the target folders, it failed being unable to access the NAS. The reason it couldn't access the NAS was because the NAS is password protected. I had to manually log in to the NAS; then Acronis_PreProcessing_task.bat was able to complete and set up the folders. In addition, it occurs to me that since !_FORCE_NEW_CHAIN.bat is also run without running TIH, the same issue will arise.
My first backup after setting up C2G is for tomorrow morning, so I'll see if password issues arise.
You might want to look at this link and see if the authentication settings comment might apply.
http://forum.acronis.com/forum/6824#comment-13731
Apparently, with regard to Acronis_PreProcessing_task.bat, my concerns about an access password to the NAS were unfounded. Although the Acronis backup procedure is still running today (now Validating), I do see a message in the log that the C2G task was successfully executed.
So I guess TIH must establish access to the NAS before it calls the pre-processing task.
And, although I suspect the !_FORCE_NEW_CHAIN batch file will require me to manually log in to the NAS before it will run successfully, since that whole process is manual anyway, the extra step won't be a big deal.
Thanks.
Ron
"Onward through the fog"
Ron,
Under most circumstances, the force new chain is automatic based on the number of backups you want to retain inside a backup set. The only time you run the force manually is if you want the set0 cleared manually. I have been using C2G from the beginning and have never had to use the manual force. C2G has always done the forcing for me. Any C2G backup initiated via TrueImageHome (scheduled or non-scheduled or initiated by Windows Task or Desktop shortcut) will not require a force by the user. The force will be automatic.
Your parameters tells C2G how many backup (.tib) files to keep inside the set0 folder. When that number is reached, C2G auto issues a force new chain and clears the set0 folder by moving its contents upward to a higher numbered set. This is done without user intervention.
It might help if we were aware of what you are trying to achieve and the parameters you are using. Perhaps a manual force is not necessary.
I guess I wasn't clear. I did not mean to imply that I thought Force New Chain would have a problem under "normal" (automatic) usage, now that I've seen that password issues are not a problem for the preprocessing file under normal usage. Just that it might have a problem under manual useage. And I also did not mean to imply that I was trying to do something where I would want to force this manually -- I was only speculating on what might happen should I want to do that in the future.
So far as I'm concerned, C2G works admirably as advertised for the usage to which I am putting it. Which is merely to maintain a fixed number of generations of backups.
I thank you for all your help and persistence. It's not common to find people, like yourself and Oracledba, who go this extra mile to help others.
Ron glad things worked out for you. I know my NAS target location did not have a password, I'm not sure about others that also tested C2G if thier NAS locations did or did not contain a passwrd.
Your postings within this topic thread should add value to those that come after with questions about NAS target locations with passwords.
Thank you for the posts, questions and followup. (and thank you grover for responding in a timely manner).
As for the "force new chain process".
As most people who have read C2G already know...
C2G rotates backups into history (thus clearing the set0 target location) based on the presence or absence of a file called trigger.txt within the set0 folder.
this file is created automatically based on user defined parameters of TIB size, and/or time of week, and/or time of month and/or .tib count
On any given runtime of c2g there may (or may not) be be over lapping reasons why the trigger.txt file is created.
Though the contents of the trigger.txt file reflects why it was created (ex its both sunday and 7 .tib files in existance)
all that really matters is the trigger.txt file now exists in the set0 folder.
As most already know, beyond all the automatic processes that can the trigger.txt file to be created.
C2G comes with a program to manually create this trigger.txt file
Beyond this a user can truly go comando style and create the file with notepad.
As I said before, The contents of the trigger.txt file does NOT matter all that matters is that it exists in the set0 folder.
The next time C2G runs it will see the trigger.txt file and rotate into history the entire contents of the set0.
This clears the set0 folder.
Under normal situations, a micro second later the actual acronis backup job will start.
Seeing a empty folder it has no choice but start a new chain with a new full backup.
Again - Ron Thank you for your time, testing and postings/feedback.
I'm glad to have contributed something. This script of yours is an extremely valuable addition to my backup strategy. Thanks.
Hi,
I have been using chain2gen v2.6.2 for a week or so on Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit.
chain2gen is a great package, clearly a lot of work has gone into it's development.
After changing some variables, I executed !_USER_SPECIFIED_PARAMS_FOR_ACRONIS.bat.
This gave the following error message:
Windows Script Host
Script: D:\System\Chain2Gen for Acronis\copy_p1_into_clipboard.vbs
Line: 36
Character: 1
Error: A System Shutdown has already been scheduled
Code: 800704A6
Source: (null)
After a reboot, !_USER_SPECIFIED_PARAMS_FOR_ACRONIS.bat ran as expected.
I just wanted to put this issue on the Forum, just in case anyone else encounters it...
Regards,
Leigh
Leigh: Thank you for your post. That message was not generated from chain2gen but rather from windows itself.
My best guess is an outside action (such as a windows update) had recently occured and windows wanted to be rebooted.
The chain2gen program you ran would have used a macro from within internet explorer to copy the path string you defined in the param file into your windows clipboard.
I suspect that when the internet explorer image was envoked the reminder message regarding the need to reboot was (re)issued.
Leigh: Thank you for your post. That message was not generated from chain2gen but rather from windows itself.
My best guess is an outside action (such as a windows update) had recently occured and windows wanted to be rebooted.
The chain2gen program you ran would have used a macro from within internet explorer to copy the path string you defined in the param file into your windows clipboard.
I suspect that when the internet explorer image was envoked the reminder message regarding the need to reboot was (re)issued.
oracledba, thanks for your feedback.
Regards, Leigh
Thanks oracledba for sharing this wonderful script. I just start using C2G cause TI2010 has not preform as it should on consolidation, and that's the only reason I upgraded from TI10.
But can C2G be use on TI10? cause I really want to downgrade back to TI10, It's fast, easy, reliable, the only thing I need in TI10 is the GFS scheduler, TI2010 just too bulky, slow, not reliable, I just can't trust it with my valuable data.
The short answer is yes it should work with TI10.
As you know C2G runs as a PRE task to an incr backup job.
As you also know the actual "work product" of C2G is to either
a) determine that there is NOTHING to do so it should simply exit gracefully
or
b) Determine that now is the time to clearout ALL files from the target folder (rotating them into history).
This means the actual acronis backup when it runs will always be presented with one of two options
a) All prior links (.tib files) in the backup chain exist and are present in the target folder
or
b) the target folder is empty/deviod of all prior backup .tib files
with condition "a" Acronis would simply add another link (incr backup) to the existing chain
with condition "b" Acronis would have no choice but to start a new chain and new full backup.
Based on the above, while C2G was written for TI2010 should work on any version.
The short answer is yes it should work with TI10.
As you know C2G runs as a PRE task to an incr backup job.
As you also know the actual "work product" of C2G is to either
a) determine that there is NOTHING to do so it should simply exit gracefully
or
b) Determine that now is the time to clearout ALL files from the target folder (rotating them into history).This means the actual acronis backup when it runs will always be presented with one of two options
a) All prior links (.tib files) in the backup chain exist and are present in the target folder
or
b) the target folder is empty/deviod of all prior backup .tib fileswith condition "a" Acronis would simply add another link (incr backup) to the existing chain
with condition "b" Acronis would have no choice but to start a new chain and new full backup.Based on the above, while C2G was written for TI2010 should work on any version.
Thanks for the confirmation, oracledba . I will sure try C2G on TI10 now, thanks,thanks,thanks.........
Hi
Thanks for building this scripting process. Worked like a charm on my wifes Toshiba laptop running Windows 7 Home Premium.
When I came to do the same install on my daughters Gateway laptop, once again with Windows 7 Home Premium, I ran into problems.
Following the instructions in !readme_chain2gen_v2.6.pdf,
I updated !_USER_SPECIFIED_PARAMS_FOR_ACRONIS.bat to
supply the 3 mandatory variables.
Here are my updates:
:: MANDATORY VARIABLES
:: User must change these next 3 variable and supply their own pertinent information.
set TARGET_UNC_N_DEVICE="z:"
set TARGET_GENERATIONS_FOLDER=\Backups\
set MAX_BACKUP_GENERATIONS=3
set TRGR_ON_MAX_TIB_CNT=7
When I executed !_USER_SPECIFIED_PARAMS_FOR_ACRONIS.bat
I only saw the message
"Typical runtime of this script is 20 seconds or less."
inside a DOSS box. Nothing else happened for several minutes, until
I got this message box:
Script: C:\Chain2Gen\copy_p1_into_clipboard.vbs
Line: 36
Char: 1
Error: ActiveX component can't create object: 'InternetExplorer.Application'
Code: 800A01AD
Source: Microsoft VBScript runtime error
I reviewed Appendix C of the Chain2gen help pdf, but did not find anything useful.
A right mouse click on the .vbs and .bat files does not result in an option to change security settings.
Any suggestions?
There is one constant in the computer business.
Once you ask for help, things immediately fall into place, all by themselves.
It is working now.
Gary,
Instead of the error message, you should have gotten a display window to allow info to be place in your clipboard. Something prevented that message. If you did not needed the info, then there was no real problem.
I too am enjoying C2G. It just keeps working and working.
I am having an issue with the latest build of ATIH 2011 Build 5519. The Pre Command fails with error 99 on the line pushd \\nas\acronis. There was no issue on the previous build, and the test option in Acronis works. Using latest build of Chain2Gen (v2.3).
I have tried mapping a drive, but the pushd still returns an error of 1.
C:\Users\User>net use y:
Local name Y:
Remote name \\NAS\acronis
Resource type Disk
Status OK
# Opens 4
# Connections 1
The command completed successfully.
C:\Chain2Gen\SZ3_Full>pushd Y:
C:\Chain2Gen\SZ3_Full>if NOT "1" == "0" (
call "C:\Chain2Gen\SZ3_Full\popup_cntdown_alert.vbs" "could not reach device [pushd Y:]"
EXIT 99
)
No issue with build 5519 when using a local drive.
Anyone have any idea what could cause a pushd to fail only when run as parft of acronis, and not as a test?
I have seen something similar months ago (which is prior to v2011)
When it did occur it seemed to be a windows issue that fixed itself upon reboot.
I'm going from memory here but I think when you are in this bad state you can reproduce the issue at will manually by doing the following:
- open up a dos cmd prompt window
- issue -> pushd y:
- issue -> echo %ERRORLEVEL%
if you get anything other than a zero back from the above echo the problem exists.
for me at least a reboot cleared the issue and it never came back.
Thanks for the reply.
The only way I managed to get it to work was to reboot and recreate the jobs that required some form of login. Backups to my NAS and e-mail backups both failed for different reasons. Recreated as new jobs and problem went away.
So something strange went on with the upgrade from one build to another on ATIH 2011.
Hi all. Before I jump in and mess something up that's working perfectly, I thought I'd ask for some input from the pros.
Currently using TIH 2010, latest build, Win 7 Home Prem, 64-bit, and C2G 2.5. I know I should undate to 2.6.2 and I plan to do that soon. My backups have been working perfectly since I found this great little C2G program. I've downloaded the new TIH 2011 and am not sure what to do with it.
The conservative answer is 'don't fix it if it ins't broken'. However, there will eventually come a time when my 2010 backups won't be compatable with a new version of the program. That might be 5 years from now, but that day will come.
How has the 2011 version of the program been received by you folks? And more importantly, will my current C2G configuration work seamlessly with the update or will I have to recreate everything from scratch?
Thanks for the advice and info,
Ken
Ken,
Chain2Gen has no problems working with the 2011 version. Your parameters file does not have to edited or changed. You simply have to point the Pre/post pre-setting to your C2G file--exactly as you did before.
You will want to use the C2G "Force new chain" option so the new 2011 task starts out with an empty set0 folder or empty the set0 folder yourself manually via renaming.
The key to getting C2G running smoothly again is get 2011 set with all new tasks and proper settings for your backup type.
Version 2011 is having a mixed set of reviews. It has a totally different look and feel. Not all the settings are where or how you might expect them to be based on past versions so there is a learning curve on where to find all the necessary settings. You will need to devote some time to learning the program. The user manual is very helpful but you will need some practice time getting it set up.
I have been using C2G successfully with 2011 every since the 2011 beta and then the 2011 release.
You may also want to spend some time on the 2011 TrueImage Forum observing the problems and questions being raised.
Hi!!!
First of all thanks to you for this helper!!! Its exactly what i needed.
Im usun TI2011 5519 on WinXP (wich runs still quite buggy for me).
Now my question:
Im storing my Backups to a shared folder on a pc witch works as filserver,using an special account for running acronis on the local maschine.
C2G only works if i edit the acronis scheduler service2 to login with the same account acronis is installed on(I red this somwere here in the forum)
with this change it works as it should, but if i restart the pc or the service the planned tasks in acronis are deleted.
(all task settings remain, only the times are turned off)
Does anybody knows a solution?
Wolfgang,
Regarding the tasks, the My Backups listing of backups does not display all the tasks at one time. Just to the right of the "My Backups" button is a small arrow. Clicking the arrow and dragging it vertically will enable you to see all the other tasks. Usually, when you look at a task with the times turned off, you are looking at the most recent backup and not looking at the original task--which you need to do.
Regarding your scheduler issue, was the TI installer set for all users?
Is C2G installed on the same user as the TrueImage install is?
Grover
I am using Backup and Recovery 10, where Acronis has fortunately decided to finally give the user a built-in way to create retention policies. However, I want to do something which seems outside the capability of ABR10's retention policy settings.
I want to have my full backup plus 8 weeks worth of incremental backups (at 1 per week). At the end of the 8 weeks, I want only the incrementals deleted (or perhaps moved to a different folder), but I want the existing full backup to be kept, and a new generation of incremetals to be generated off that original full backup. The reason for this is because I'm using a seperate program (CrashPlan) to remotely backup my .tib files over the internet to my friends computer and if I had to create a new full backup every 8 weeks, it would literally take months to finish backing up each full backup file (we're talking hundreds of GB's) as opposed to the much smaller incrementals. Would such a thing be possible with Chain2gen? Any ideas on how this could be done? Right now I'm having to manually delete the old generation of incrementals in order to create a new generation from the existing full backup. Thank you for any insight you might have.
what you want is NOT typical.
I suppose chain2gen can be used.
you would need to know with 100% certainty that your
full backup is always completely contained in a single .tib file and you know that name.
typically this name does not have a number suffix on it.
for the purposes of this thread lets say that name is: z:\mybackups\set_0\mybackup.tib
you should also realize that chain2gen does not have params which start new generations at every 8 weeks.
all of chain2gen's time based params operate within a month.
The only param which can span more than a month is param "TRGR_ON_MAX_TIB_CNT"
this param will cause a new chain after xx number of incrementals.
so if you do backups every sunday then a value of 8 would give you what you want.
if you do backups every day then 56 (8*7) would be what you want.
Please know if your computer is down or otherwise doesn't do a backup
then for xx times then the date of your new generation will also be delayed.
Chain2gen includes a script file called "my_acronis_pretask.bat"
This intent of this script is users are free to add into it whatever special logic you require to wrap around the base chain2gen functionality.
In your case you would need to edit this script
and add to the end of it an "IF" statement that checks if your set_0 has any ".tib" files.
if it does, then there is nothing left to do as that would mean we are still in the midway in our 8 week cycle.
if however it does NOT find .tib files then that means chain2gen has rotated your prior 8 week chain into history.
when this occurs what you want to do is then rotate just the .tib file of the full backup back down into set_0.
The If statement to do that would look something like this...
if exist "z:\mybackups\set_0\*.tib" goto end_of_tib_files_cnt
move "z:\mybackups\set_1\mybackup.tib" "z:\mybackups\set_0\"
::
:: FYI: this spot might be the logical place to call whatever is needed to
:: transfer the incr files (now located in folder set_1 over to your friends house.
::
:end_of_tib_files_cnt
I think acronis will correctly realize there are no longer 8 weeks of incr files on this full and will correctly number a new incr for this full.
but obviously run an actual test to be sure.
Thank you oracledba - I'll give it a try.
Is there a known problem running the preprocessing file in XP? I recently implemented it in XP after using it on WIn7 and could not figure out why I seen no progress on the Acronis status screen. Once I removed the preprocessing line the backup proceeded normally. I did the normal checking of the file by running it and it always prompted me on whether it should be run.
I am not aware of any issues related to XP. I am using C2G with XP Pro every since the program was created and have used in within versions 2009, 2010 and now 2011.
The most frequent user error is failure to remove the security blocking. This is discussed in Appendix C of the readme pdf file. The security unblocking is also discussed at length in item 3-B inside my signature index below.
http://forum.acronis.com/sites/default/files/forum/2009/11/5940/unblock…
I would check EACH batch file and each VBS file to see if they need to be unclocked. The best to do this is before you start and check the zip file before starting. Since your are already using the files, then each single bat, cmd * VBS file will have to be checked.
Hello oracledba,
First of all, I want to thank you for your help!
I've followed through on your advice, but have run into some problems. Here's how I got to where I'm at:
1. I unlocked each and every file in the Chain2Gen folder.
2. I decided to go with just 4 incrementals per generation instead of the 8 we discussed previously. Therefore I set TRGR_ON_MAX_TIB_CNT=5 in !_USER_SPECIFIED_PARAMS_FOR_ACRONIS.bat (1 full + 4 incr's).
3. I made the changes you suggested in my_acronis_pretask.bat and entered the other mandatory parameters iin adition to MAX_TIB_CNT in !_USER_SPECIFIED_PARAMS_FOR_ACRONIS.bat as outlined in the !readme_chain2gen_v2.6.pdf instructions (the file inventory pdf said my_acronis_pretask.bat could be used as an alternative to Acronis_PreProcessing_task.bat).
4. I ran Acronis_PreProcessing_task.bat to create the set0 and set1 folders, which it did successfully.
5. I ran !_USER_SPECIFIED_PARAMS_FOR_ACRONIS.bat as a test manually (as instructed in !readme_chain2gen_v2.6.pdf) and it said validation of params was successful.
6. I ran my AB&R to create a new full .tib backup file in folder "set0".
7. I copied and pasted that full backup file's name into the "move" portion of the"if" statement in my_acronis_pretask.bat as you suggested (and tripple-checked that the file name matched the name in the "if" statement exactly) .
8. I created a new AB&R task using the guidelines outlined in !readme_chain2gen_v2.6.pdf and made sure to set my_acronis_pretask.bat as the pre-task for AB&R to run.
9. I ran AB&R and ultimately created 9 incrementals, however, none were ever moved from set0 to the set1 folder, nor was the full backup tib file.
So, I'm not sure what went wrong. I'd be happy to pm you my Chain2gen batch files and my AB&R log if you'd like to review them.
I wanted to make sure AB&R would work as desired, so I performed a manual test, moving all the .tib's from set0 to set1, started AB&R (but didn't initiate a backup yet), then just moved the full backup file back into set0. I then ran the AB&R incremental backup and it did correctly identify that the incr's were gone and created a new incr using the existing full .tib as the base, as we were hoping. So now, it's just a matter of automating the process.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your assistance!
I also want to say thank you for Chain2Gen. I just completed the start of my 3rd week using it. I set it up for 2 backup sets, each containing 1 week of backups. Last night it finally rolled back to the first set and worked flawlessly, emptying the set and starting with a new full backup.
This should be built into Acronis but Chain2Gen does it beautifully. So well in fact that I just ordered a 1.2TB hard drive so I can greatly increase the number of backup sets I can keep.
Forgot to mention this is with ATI 2010 under Windows 7 Pro X64.
TrueImage Home 2011 backup scheme settings for Chain2Gen. Choose either Full; or Differential (+full); or Incremental (+full).
I had to reinstall Windows7 x64 lately and now when I run the ForceNewChain I get the attached error message showing up. I can not see any rights issues when I right mouse click on the file in question.
Go into the folder mentioned in the error message and check each and every bat file and vbs file and see if any need to be unlocked.
As I am using Win7 and could not see anything wrong like XP sometimes flags a file from another computer I wound up creating a new directory and simply copied over the one end user modified file to new directory. Also changed the backup tasks to use the commands in the new directory.
Well after running Chain2Gen successfully on my machine and my wife's for over a year it was time to upgrade my wife's old XP-machine. I picked up a gently used Vista unit and configured it in a manner similar to her old computer. It backs up to a network drive (\\BA-xxxx) that I have mapped as drive Y: (It was drive Y: on her previous Win-XP computer.)
If I do a one-click backup of the computer all is well. However I don't seem to be as lucky with the the scripts for Chain2Gen. Here are the error messages:
1) Child Process Exited with Code 99
2) Execution of user command C:\Chain2Gen\Acronis_PreProcessing_task.bat failed. Error Code 1
3) I also had this error message earlier - "could not reach device [pushd Y:]"
In an earlier post it was suggested that the following:
From the cmd prompt
pushd Y:
echo %ERRORLEVEL%
Should yield a 0 and it now does.
So #3 above may have resolved itself. However, number 1 and 2 still remain.
Is this a Vista issue? The NAS drivers have been updated for Vista. Any insight would be appreciated.
Love the software!!
Rick
Rick,
What you report happened twice during testing.
For one testor rebooting made the problem disappear.
For another testor their PC behaved differently than everyone else.
During testing we had a testor report they HAD to use a trailing slash on TARGET_UNC_N_DEVICE
which also meant the variable TARGET_GENERATIONS_FOLDER could NOT start with a slash but this variable still had to end in a slash.
We never did figure out why that particular PC behaved differently from everyone else.
Try rebooting, and see if the problem still exists.
If your backup still has the same issue try editing your params file and remove the leading slash on your folder variable and instead have a trailing slash on your device variable. then try the backup again.
Let us know if either proposal resolves your issue.
edit:
FYI: I think the testor that reported the slash issue was using UNC paths versus mapped drives.
oracledba
Thanks for the prompt reply. I unmounted the drive and then re-mapped it. In addition, I used the format change you suggested and -- it seems that -- all is working as planned!!
I have tried an original and 2 further incremental backup into set0 and it looks like it is behaving.
Thanks again for the quick reply.
Rick
I have the same problem as Rick W had, only remapping the drive and moving the slash to the drive name doesn't help me at all. To start over. Here are my variables set in !_USER_SPECIFIED_PARAMS_FOR_ACRONIS.bat (Note that I have also tried with the trailing slash moved to the beginning of the Target generations folder...get the same failure each time.)
set TARGET_UNC_N_DEVICE=Z:\
set TARGET_GENERATIONS_FOLDER=Trish\
set MAX_BACKUP_GENERATIONS=4
In addition, I wanted a new backup to trigger on Sundays, when I have the most time to backup. So this is my trigger variable:
:: --User must set this next variable(s) if the preceding option 3 is applicable---------
set TRGR_ON_DAY1=Sun
set TRGR_ON_DAY2=~
set TRGR_ON_DAY3=~
set TRGR_ON_DAY4=~
set TRGR_ON_DAY5=~
I double clicked the params bat file, and it validated fine. When I do it now, it says the folder DOES exist, because the preprocessing bat already created them, when I tested it.
I create the backup job, and testing the preprocessing command passes.
When I run the job from Acronis, however, I get the following errors in the log:
1 Information 6/16/2011 9:14 PM The "trishchain2gen" operation started
2 Information 6/16/2011 9:14 PM Analyzing partition 0-0...
3 Information 6/16/2011 9:14 PM Analyzing partition 1-1...
4 Information 6/16/2011 9:14 PM Analyzing partition C:...
5 Warning! 6/16/2011 9:14 PM Priority changed to Low priority
6 Error 6/16/2011 9:15 PM Child process has exited with code 99
7 Error 6/16/2011 9:15 PM Execution of user command C:\chain2gen\trishchain2gen\Acronis_PreProcessing_task.bat failed. Error code: 1
8 Error 6/16/2011 9:15 PM Operation has completed with errors.
In the error_messages.txt file, I get the following error:
MESSAGE from:20110616_21:15:19-->
could not reach device [pushd Z:\]
However, when I test running the following commands, I get the 0 that you guys say I should get:
c:\>pushd z:
z:\>echo %ERRORLEVEL%
0
So what is going on? The mapped drive is located on a server, and the root of the backup drives has the share permissions set to Everyone>Full Access and the Permissions set to the same. I can access the folders just fine. In fact, so can the preprocessing bat file, because it created the set0 through set4 folders. So why does it fail every time?
I have set this up on 4 computers, and they all fail consistently. This would normally point to a permissions problem, but these backup drives are wide open. Anyone with console access to the workstations can add them.
A final test is to see if I have any of the scripts or bat files blocked, but I don't have the Unblock button, so I assume they're all not blocked. (Yes, I checked each one.)
I'm using Acronis True Image version 9.1. It's an older one, but I don't see why it wouldn't just run scripts, since the options are there in the backup jobs. The settings on the backup job are correct, including the user information. I've deleted and recreated the backup job a couple times, and get the same failure each time.
For now, I've told Acronis not to abort the backup when the command fails. I need to get backups going, as multiple days without a backup is not acceptable. ANY ideas, guys?
I will help you what I can. Perhaps OracleDBA will see this and respond.
There are a couple changes needed but I do believe you will have to pursue the UNC suggestion.
----------------------------------------------
Change
From
set TARGET_GENERATIONS_FOLDER=Trish\
To
set TARGET_GENERATIONS_FOLDER="\Trish\"
---------------------------
From
set TARGET_UNC_N_DEVICE=Z:\
To
set TARGET_UNC_N_DEVICE=Z:
Or
You may need to set up your path
from
set TARGET_UNC_N_DEVICE=Z:
to a UNC path
.... example(s) from bat file is \\Maximus\E (1TB device)
This link may help
http://www.emailsignature.eu/phpBB2/how-to-get-a-unc-path-name-t341.html
---------------------------------------------------
set MAX_BACKUP_GENERATIONS=4
This setting indicates you wish to retain 4 complete chain which is the contents of the set0/set1/set2/set3/ folders on a revolving descending basis.
--------------------------------------------------
set TRGR_ON_DAY1=Sun
I assume the schedule frequency you have set for TrueImage is Daily?
Backups are run based on the schedule utilized by TrueImage--either scheduled or manually or from desktop shortcut.
-------------------------------------------------------
What is your setting for option 1?
set TRGR_ON_MAX_TIB_CNT=?
------------------------------------
Thank you for your reply, GroverH. Here are some answers. I can provide the remainder of the answers when I can get access to these machines tonight.
To begin, I have used both ways on the target Generation and UNC device. The failures occurred when the slash was in the UNC and when I put it at the beginning of the target folder. So this isn't the issue. I will set it back, but the failures occurred anyway.
----------------------------------
MAX_BACKUP_GENERATION = 4
Yes, that is the behavior I want. 4 complete weekly sets retained.
----------------------------------
----------------------------------
set TRGR_ON_DAY1=Sun
Yes, the backups occur at various times in the evening every night. I want the new generation to trigger on Sunday evenings, when I have more time to back up a full backup. So on Sunday evenings, the oldest set should be deleted, and the newer sets copied downward to the older set folders.
----------------------------------
----------------------------------
set TRGR_ON_MAX_TIB_CNT=?
I honestly don't know the answer to this question at this time. I will have access to the workstations tonight, but I suspect I left this as the default value that comes in the Zip. I will post with more information tonight.
----------------------------------
----------------------------------
Last night, I unchecked the box in the TI backup job that says "Abort operation if this command fails", just so I could get a good backup for the night. Last night, the logs revealed no errors at all. I don't know if the problem is solved, or if it's just not reporting any errors now?
I'll post the answer to the last question tonight.
If your non-Sunday night backups are differential or incremental backups, I would expect that you would want option 1 to read "0" as described below.
:: ---Examples begin here----------------------------------------------------
:: option 1 set a trigger based on total number of .tib files in folder
:: 0 means unlimited incr
:: 1 means a new full every time (1 Full + 0 incr = 1)
:: 2 means a new full after 1 incr is done (1 Full + 1 incr = 2)
:: 3 means a new full after 2 incr is done (1 Full + 2 incr = 3)
:: The thought behind this control is the exposure risk of an incr chain is a
:: function of the chain length. Hence start a new chain when the length
:: of the chain exceeds some threshold. (or set 0 for manual control)
:: TRGR_ON_MAX_TIB_CNT=[0-N] 0=unlimited N=max_number of ".tib" files in chain
:: --User must set this next variable if the preceding option 1 is applicable--------------
set TRGR_ON_MAX_TIB_CNT=1 (default value may need changing)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Double check the actual results. Check the target folder and see if the backup exists. If the backup exists, then the path to the folder is correct within the task where you choose the target
but at the time the task ran, the actual contents of the C2G parameter file was wrong. My 2 corrections may solve this issue. The C2G error file may be of some assistance.
Keep me posted.
Addendum:
After you do the parameter corrections, there is another test you can perform.
Double click on the "Force new chain batch file"
Then check the set0 storage folder.
If the parameter file is correct, you will find a
trigger.txt file within the set0 folder. Delete the trigger.txt file as it was just a test otherwise you will get a new full at next backup time.
However, if the trigger.txt file is not created, then the parameter file is still not functional.
I only have a single backup job. It's Incremental. There is currently 1 full backup in the folder. Tonight, there will be an incremental added.
The path in the TI task is correct.
As I said before, though, I have tested the batch file with both ways for the UNC option. Both ways failed when I ran the TI task manually. I will set it back to:
Z:
and
/Trish/
I'm going to leave things as they are for the moment, because the backup ran and actually backed up last night. This Sunday, I'll find out if the trigger is working. I believe Option 1 is set to 0. Because I never planned on running my trigger based on the number of backups in the folder. It wouldn't make sense to set it to anything other than 0. but I'll check it tonight. What's more, in the default user settings batch, isn't this set to 0? If so, then this definitely isn't my problem as I have three other machines that were failing, and I set the others up with Sunday being the trigger. No iterations. But like I said, I'll check when I get access to these workstations again tonight.
The only thing I changed that made it report no errors is I unchecked the "Abort task if this command fails" in the TI task setup.
Finally, I'd like to repeat that when I double click the user settings batch file, it runs and validates just fine. When I double clicked the preprocess batch file, it ran just fine as well. It created Set0, Set1, etc. just fine. I don't think this is a path problem, but I don't really know if I even still HAVE this problem, since I got no errors once I unchecked the "abort on failure" box. I'll know on Monday morning when I wake up, I guess. Frustrating, because there's no reason this should fail.
Thank you again for your help, man. I appreciate it.
Addendum:
After you do the parameter corrections, there is another test you can perform.
Double click on the "Force new chain batch file"
Then check the set0 storage folder.
If the parameter file is correct, you will find a
trigger.txt file within the set0 folder. Delete the trigger.txt file as it was just a test otherwise you will get a new full at next backup time.
However, if the trigger.txt file is not created, then the parameter file is still not functional.
what is the path to the actual set0 storage folder.
For example, if the path is X;\FOLDER1\TRISH\SET0\BACKUP.TIB
THEN THE PATH
set TARGET_GENERATIONS_FOLDER="\Trish\"
MAY NEED TO READ
set TARGET_GENERATIONS_FOLDER="\FOLDER1\Trish\"
(the set0 is implied and not used within the parameter file)