Article ID: 159218 - Last Review: November 1, 2006 - Revision: 2.1

Proper Backup of Open Files Using Ntbackup

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This article was previously published under Q159218
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
256986  (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/256986/EN-US/ ) Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry
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SYMPTOMS

Files may not be properly restored with a backup program (such as Windows NT Backup).
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CAUSE

This problem can be caused by either of the following:
  • Corrupt file

    Some third-party backup programs set the following value to 1 during setup while Windows NT Backup sets this value to 0:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Ntbackup\Backup Engine\Backup files inuse
    Open files are generally in an inconsistent state and any attempt to back up these files may cause corruption (for example, WINS and DHCP databases).
  • Missing file

    If the value above is set to 0, the backup program skips open files; therefore, some files may be missing when you restore from backup.
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RESOLUTION

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

Perform one of the following to resolve this problem:
  • Set the following value to 0:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Ntbackup\Backup Engine\Backup files inuse
  • Make sure a consistent file is available for backup before you start the backup. To do this, perform one of the following:
    • Application method
      Use a utility for that application file that creates a good backup while that file is open. For example, rdisk -s backs up the registry in the %SystemRoot%\Repair folder.

      NOTE: When performing a remote backup of any server's registry, you must run rdisk -s or rdisk /s- on that server first because remote registries are not available to be backed up over the network.
    • System method
      Close the files before backup (for example, stop logons, close current sessions with existing clients, and stop all non-essential services). You may be able to accomplish this by using the AT command or the Command Scheduler (Winat.exe).
    • Application and System method
      The best approach may be to use both methods to make sure all data is accessible from a backup and to test your plan fully before implementing it.
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MORE INFORMATION

If the following value is 1, backup programs attempt to back up open files:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Ntbackup\Backup Engine\Backup files inuse
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APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 Developer Edition
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server 4.0
  • Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server 4.5
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Keywords: 
kbhowto KB159218
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