Problems with Windows XP Back-up

[TM12]

The current corporate configuration doesn't allow for backing up individual users so we're using Back-up to provide service to 11 office computers that have PSTs that are too big for cdroms. We back them up over the network to a computer with a 200gb harddrive. All computers are based on a pre-configured clone image. The problem is that three of them will not back-up. The result code is always 0x80 instead of the expected 0x00. There's no explanation in the remarks column. We've compared and matched ALL security template settings and service settings and haven't been able to gather any useful leads from the Application and System logs. One pc now is now working and seems to have been fixed by the installation of a USB TV tuner card that initially said the "Windows Scheduling Agent" was not running and offered to start it. However, using that tactic did not work on the other ones.

We've found out a little more. Installing the USB TV card did not fix the problem as originally thought. It still will not perform unattended back-ups if no one is logged in. We've also noticed that Diskeeper's Smart scheduling doesn't work on some computers. We've therefore concluded that some background scheduling services aren't running when a user isn't logged in but can't ID which ones. Any help appreciated.

[imsaguy]

I don't know if its a failure of a service not running, but here is what to do if it is.

If you go to Start>Programs>Administrative Tools>Services you can see what services are running. If you can't take that route, you can get to the Administrative tools from Control Panel. If that way doesn't work, then you can go to Start> Run. Run "cmd". From there, type in "Net Start". Both times, don't type in the quotes. This command will show you all of the services currently running. If you see a service(s) that is running on the successful back computers, but not on the failed backup computers, you type in "Net start [service]" where [service] is the service name. Try your back up now. If it works, then you know it was those services.

I begin to wonder why the corporate policy wouldn't allow you to back up, unless possibly they have a network share where you should be saving your files? If they do, then they most probably back up that share. Thats how things are run here anyway.

Hope this helps ~ Nick

[TM12]

Thanks. I've already checked the services and we've compared all the settings for them and the security policies between the computers that worked and the ones that don't to make sure they matched. It works as long as one of us admins is logged in but won't run unattended. That's why I think it's a service that should be started during the boot and remain running independent of login. But I don't know how to find out what services they are. Logic tells me a scheduling service but we've already set Task Scheduler to start automatically. I think there might be a startup log I can look at.

As far as corporate back-up policy, it's a matter of space right now and they're getting ready to stand up 3TBs of additional storage. Hopefully, then it'll change. Until then, all data remains local.

[John Prophet]

there is a tool called gpresult.exe http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000...gpresult-o.asp

It gives you a breakdown of your poilicies etc

Then there is one called RSoP (Resultant Set of Policies) that is similar http://www.microsoft.com/technet/tre...d/RSPintro.asp

Maybe one of those tools can help you find the differences of policy that are causing the problem.

JP

[TM12]

Thanks, JP.

I'll practice a little here at home and try it out when I get back to work on Thursday.

[TM12]

JP,

Those were great links and I learned a lot by using them. RSoP does an excellent job of putting all of the policy info in one place. Unfortunately, before I was able to completely determine if RSoP was going to be the solution, a senior SA suggested we create back-up jobs on the back-up server that "pull" the data rather than creating jobs on the individual workstations that "push" the data. So far everything works great. Thanks again for the info.

[TM12]

JP,

Those were great links and I learned a lot by using them. RSoP does an excellent job of putting all of the policy info in one place. Unfortunately, before I was able to completely determine if RSoP was going to be the solution, a senior SA suggested we create back-up jobs on the back-up server that "pull" the data rather than creating jobs on the individual workstations that "push" the data. So far everything works great. Thanks again for the info.

[John Prophet]

Glad it worked.., its all a little over my head, but Im good at finding links!! lol

JP