Rocky Linux to backup Windows data?

Let’s separate the “backup” from the “access”.

The “backup” is just blocks of binary data. Linux MAs can backup data from anything. No concern here using Linux MAs to protect Windows data. It’s actually quite common.

The “access” is the concern, since the Access Nodes need to understand the files. However, with the right Samba/CIFS packages, a Linux Access Node can protect CIFS.

https://documentation.commvault.com/2024e/software/getting_started_with_nas_file_server.html
 

Thanks,
Scott
 

Scott,

Thanks for the details. My Rocky Linux MA has the correct packages and can back up an NTFS volume over CIFS; however, unlike a Windows MA, I cannot bypass NTFS ACLs. e.g., via Backup Operators

I’ve tried adding the backup service account to BUILTIN\Administrators and updating the Backup Operators role to bypass ACLs.  Neither had any effect.

At this point, it appears CV supports NTFS over CIFS with a Linux MA, but only when NTFS permissions explicitly grant access to the backup service account. That’s not operationally viable for us, as ACLs change frequently and cannot be managed this way.

What am I missing here? Any insights appreciated.

I have never attempted to use the Backup Operators role for these scenarios.  Doing some research, it looks like this requires a specific flag to be set in the SMB request which is not supported from a non-Windows client.  I imagine if using the Backup Operators is going to be necessary, using a Windows access node will be required.

Thanks,
Scott