Backup the backup set?

[weisj]

Hi all,

 

I've created about 1TB of backups on a single backup set (TIF images). I have the backup set catalog file saved on my internal hard drive.

 

My question is:

Do I need to backup the backup set catalog file (i.e. on a CD)? What happens if it is lost - can I still retrieve the files on my tapes? I don't really need any of the directory structure in my backups, just the files.

 

Thx,

James

[CallMeDave]

>Do I need to backup the backup set catalog file (i.e. on a CD)?

 

You should.

 

What happens if it is lost - can I still retrieve the files on my tapes?

 

Yes, but only after you recreate the Catalog from the tapes; a process that can take quite a while depending on how much data and the speed of the media reading hardware.

 

Even a slightly out-of-date Catalog backup can be used as the basis of rebuilding to an up-to-date status; can save lots of time.

[weisj]

Thanks Dave.

 

Does it matter WHERE in the directory structure the catalog file resides if I ever need to retrieve my archived files from a future system?

 

Thx,

James

[waltr]

hi jw,

 

it does not matter where the catalog files resides. in fact, you could move your existing catalog files to a new location, and then double click them, and everything should show up properly.

[pbausch]

You can also do this by creating a "Duplicating" Script to copy the catalog file to another location on the network. This can be scheduled like any other Backup Script.