MS Volume Shadow Copy Writers vs Configuration

[Frederico Comério]

Hi.
What exactly MSVSCWriters does ?

If I choose the CONFIGURATION backup and also use MSVSCWriters... what is the difference ?

Can you explain each of them ?

Thank you.

Fred

[Ivan Ferreira]

Aren't VSS Writers? What is your backup software?

Check this information about what are VSS writers:

http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/power/1q04-san.pdf

[Frederico Comério]

It's a HP OpenView Storage Data Protector A.05.50.

And when I choose Backup, in Backup Specifications have type "MS Volume Shadow Copy Writers".

[Rune J. Winje]

The VSS Writers ensure a consistent backup.

http://blogs.msdn.com/adioltean/archive/2005/08/31/458907.aspx

"Applications can receive various notifications during backup and restore - notifications that are used to ensure that these applications do have a consistent stored image on the shadow copy. These notifications are received through some dedicated software components called VSS writers. For example, AD has one writer, Exchange another writer, SQL another one, etc. (you can actually enumerate the writers on your machine and their state through the VSSADMIN LIST WRITERS command). "

When you choose Configuration backup you are selecting to backup the system state in Windows. The AD VSS Writer then ensures the backup will be consistent.


Cheers,
Rune