Backup DFS Replication

Hello ​@SSchmidt  
 

The best practice for backing up a Windows Server with DFS Replication (DFSR) using the Commvault Windows File System Agent is:

• Only back up read-only DFSR members.
• Never back up or restore computers running DFSR on read-write members in a production environment.

Reason

The DFSR database and other Windows multi-master databases do not support snapshots. Backing up or restoring read-write DFSR members can cause replication failures and data inconsistency.

Procedure

1. Identify Read-Only DFSR Members:

• Ensure the server you plan to back up is configured as a read-only DFSR member.

1. Configure the Windows File System Agent:

• Install and configure the agent on the read-only DFSR server.
• Set up your backup jobs as usual.

1. Exclude Read-Write Members:

• Do not configure backups for DFSR servers that are read-write members.

If Restore Is Needed

• If you must restore a DFSR server and it is not read-only, work with Microsoft Support to repair the DFSR database and restore replication functionality.

Reference

For more information, see the Microsoft KB article:

Distributed File System Replication (DFSR) no longer replicates files after restoring a virtualized server's snapshot

and Commvault support article:

https://kb.commvault.com/article/54466

Summary:

Back up only read-only DFSR members with the Windows File System Agent. Never back up or restore read-write DFSR members in production to avoid DFSR replication issues.

Documentation Links

• Commvault Support Article 54466
• Microsoft DFSR Restore KB

Regards,

Kalaivanan.