The Backup utility removes a backup file if it encounters an unexpected error during a restore operation in a Windows Server 2003-based cluster environment

You are using a Microsoft Windows Server 2003-based cluster environment that contains at least two computers that are running Microsoft Exchange Server 2003. You use the Backup utility to save a backup file for one storage group on one computer to a second storage group on another computer. Later, you try to use the Backup utility to restore the backup file from the second storage group to the first storage group. However, the restore operation stops abruptly, and you receive an error message that contains an option to click OK. Before you click OK, you verify that the backup file is available in the first storage group. However, when you look for the backup file after you click OK, the backup file is not in the first storage group.

Note You experience the same problem if you use a removable storage device to perform the backup and restore operation.

This problem occurs because the Backup utility removes a backup file if it encounters an unexpected error during a restore operation.

Service pack information

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows Server 2003. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites are required.

Restart requirement

You must restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time tool in Control Panel.

Windows Server 2003, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003, Itanium-based versions

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section. This feature was first included in Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1.

Steps to reproduce the problem

Cluster environment

1. Configure a cluster environment that consists of two computers.
2. Save the backup file for a storage group to another storage group by using the Backup utility.
3. Restore the data from the second storage group to the first storage group.
4. When you restore the data, interrupt the network connection between the two computers.
5. When you see an error message that contains an option to click OK, restore the network connection between the two computers.
6. Click OK, and then finish the Backup utility.
7. Verify whether the backup file exists in the source storage group.

Removable storage device

1. Connect a removable storage device to a computer.
2. Use the Backup utility to save a backup file to the removable storage device.
3. Use the Backup utility to restore the backup file to the computer.
4. When you restore the file, disconnect the removable storage device from the computer.
5. When you see an error message that contains an option to click OK , reconnect the removable storage device to the computer.
6. Verify that you can access the removable storage device and that the backup file exists on the removable storage device.
7. Click OK.
8. Verify whether the backup file exists on the removable storage device.

For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: