Veritas VCS-285 Exam Dumps & Practice Test Questions

Question 1:

A backup job using a Microsoft Windows policy with the selection ALL_LOCAL_DRIVES has failed on a NetBackup client running Windows. 

To effectively identify and fix the issue, which two logs should the administrator prioritize for troubleshooting? (Select two.)

A. Operating system logs on the client
B. NetBackup bpbrm logs on the media server
C. NetBackup bptm logs on the media server
D. NetBackup bpfis logs on the media server
E. NetBackup bpfis logs on the client

Answer: A, E

Explanation:

When a backup fails using the ALL_LOCAL_DRIVES option in a NetBackup Windows policy, it’s essential to focus on logs that detail the client’s interaction with its local storage and file system. This approach helps determine whether the issue is related to access permissions, file system problems, or operating system-level errors on the client machine.

Operating system logs on the client (A) are critical because they offer a low-level view of the machine's health and behavior. These logs include information about disk read/write failures, access permissions, file system integrity issues, and other OS-level problems that might prevent NetBackup from successfully accessing or backing up certain drives. For instance, if a particular drive is corrupted, not mounted, or has permission restrictions, these details will be captured in the system or application event logs on the Windows client.

NetBackup bpfis logs on the client (E) are equally crucial because they specifically record details from the file system snapshot process, which is a core component of how NetBackup interacts with local drives during backup operations. The bpfis (Backup Policy File System Image) log on the client will detail any failures in creating snapshots, accessing volumes, or initializing backups at the file system level. It’s particularly useful in troubleshooting issues involving Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), which NetBackup often relies on for file-level backups.

Other logs, such as bpbrm and bptm on the media server, are more relevant for identifying issues with job coordination and media handling, such as data transport or tape writing problems. However, since this specific error occurred during the attempt to back up local drives, not during data transfer or media management, those logs are not the most useful for this scenario.

Therefore, focusing on the client's operating system logs and the client-side bpfis logs provides the most direct and informative insight into what went wrong during the backup attempt, making A and E the best choices.

Question 2:

An administrator reviews a failed backup job and checks the Detailed Status tab. Based on the information, it appears the job did not start within the scheduled backup window. 

Which configuration setting is most likely responsible for preventing the job from executing?

A. Maximum concurrent jobs limit for the storage unit
B. Global Attributes setting for “Maximum jobs per client” on the primary server
C. Client read timeout setting in the Timeouts section of the primary server
D. “Limit jobs per policy” setting in the backup policy

Answer: A

Explanation:

In NetBackup environments, several configuration parameters govern how and when backup jobs are initiated. If a job fails to run within its backup window, it usually means a system-level limitation prevented the job from starting on time. In this situation, the "Maximum concurrent jobs" setting on the storage unit (Option A) is the most probable cause.

This setting directly controls how many backup jobs can simultaneously use the storage unit for reading or writing data. When the limit is reached, NetBackup queues additional jobs, and they must wait for currently running jobs to finish. If those queued jobs are not processed before the end of their backup window, they fail due to time constraints. This is a typical issue when multiple clients or policies compete for limited storage resources.

In contrast, the “Maximum jobs per client” setting (Option B) restricts how many concurrent jobs a single client can run. While it can cause delays, it's only relevant if the specific client has exceeded its job limit, which doesn’t seem to be the root issue here.

The “Client read timeout” setting (Option C) affects how long the server waits for data from the client before terminating the session. This could cause job failures due to network latency or client issues, but it doesn't prevent the job from starting within the window.

Similarly, the “Limit jobs per policy” setting (Option D) restricts the number of jobs that a specific policy can initiate. While this could limit job launches within a policy, it doesn't align with a scenario where overall resource constraints are the primary issue.

Ultimately, when a job doesn’t start because of overutilization of a storage unit, it's the storage unit’s “Maximum concurrent jobs” limit that governs resource availability. If too many jobs are queued and not enough are processed before the window closes, the new job is denied execution. Hence, Option A is the most appropriate answer.

Question 3:

While reviewing a failed job in the Activity Monitor, an administrator examines the Detailed Status tab and notices several communication-related errors. 

Which command should the administrator run to verify connectivity between the primary NetBackup server and the client system?

A. nbdb_ping
B. bpclntcmd -self
C. bptestbpcd
D. bptestnetconn -s

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

In NetBackup environments, resolving client-server communication failures is essential when backup jobs fail due to connectivity issues. The key is identifying the correct diagnostic tool that checks the appropriate layer of the NetBackup architecture.

Let’s look at each option to determine the most effective command:

A. nbdb_ping is designed to validate communication with the NetBackup database (NBDB). It does not test the communication path between a primary server and a client. This tool is typically used to confirm if the embedded Sybase database on the primary server is up and responding, not for checking network-level or daemon-based issues between endpoints.

B. bpclntcmd -self runs locally on a NetBackup client to verify hostname resolution and to return its own IP address and hostname. While this is helpful for checking client configuration, it does not establish connectivity with the primary server, making it insufficient for troubleshooting the issue at hand.

C. bptestbpcd is the most suitable choice in this context. This command tests end-to-end connectivity from the primary server to the client, specifically to the bpcd daemon on the client side. The bpcd daemon is essential for executing NetBackup operations such as backups and restores. This command not only confirms basic network communication but also validates that the required NetBackup services on the client are accessible. It gives detailed feedback on whether the connection can be established, if name resolution is working correctly, and if authentication succeeds. This comprehensive testing makes it the most reliable tool for diagnosing client-server communication issues within NetBackup.

D. bptestnetconn -s is another network connectivity diagnostic tool, but its primary focus is on general TCP port testing. While it can be used to check if a port is open on a remote host, it does not specifically test the NetBackup communication path through the bpcd daemon. It lacks the contextual awareness of NetBackup’s operational requirements.

In summary, when facing communication-related job failures in NetBackup, bptestbpcd should be used to thoroughly test connectivity between the primary server and the client. This ensures not just that the machines can "see" each other, but that the NetBackup services essential for job execution are also reachable and responsive.

Question 4:

A backup job assigned a retention level of 2 and using the “server_tapes” volume pool has failed with a status code 96, indicating that no media is available for backup. 

Referring to the available media report, which action should the administrator take in the NetBackup Administration Console to correct this issue?

A. Move volume C11201 to the "scratch_pool"
B. Move volume E02002 to the "scratch_pool"
C. Move volume E02003 to the "scratch_pool"
D. Unfreeze volume E02004 in the "server_tapes" pool

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

Status code 96 in Veritas NetBackup indicates that the backup job failed because it couldn’t find usable media in the designated volume pool. This typically happens when all tapes in the pool are either frozen, full, not available, or expired. The “server_tapes” pool, which was assigned to this backup job, lacks valid media, prompting the error.

Let’s analyze the actions described in the options:

A. Moving volume C11201 to the "scratch_pool" may seem helpful, but unless C11201 is already part of the "server_tapes" pool and causing the problem, this won't solve the issue. There is no indication that C11201 is related to the backup failure. Transferring it to another pool would not provide usable media to "server_tapes" and could potentially reduce available capacity in that pool.

B. Moving volume E02002 to the "scratch_pool" is the correct step. The media status report reveals that E02002 is currently frozen in the "server_tapes" pool. Frozen media are blocked from being used in future backup jobs until they are either unfrozen or recycled. By moving E02002 to the "scratch_pool", the administrator resets its association, making it eligible to be assigned to any pool dynamically, including "server_tapes". This makes E02002 reusable and immediately available for allocation, effectively resolving the issue.

C. Moving volume E02003 to the "scratch_pool" would not resolve the current problem. E02003 is in a full state, indicating that all of its writable space has been used. Even if it’s moved to the scratch pool, it won’t be automatically reused unless expired or manually reconfigured. Thus, it’s not a viable candidate for resolving the media allocation failure.

D. Unfreezing volume E02004 might seem logical, but if E02004 isn’t actually frozen (according to the output), this action would have no effect. Only frozen media block new write operations. If the volume is active or available, there’s no benefit to unfreezing it.

In summary, to resolve the backup job failure due to error 96, the administrator should act on the frozen tape—E02002—by moving it to the scratch pool, thereby freeing it for reuse and making it eligible for media allocation.

Question 5:

A data restore operation has failed, and an administrator needs to begin troubleshooting.

Which two resources would be the most useful for diagnosing the cause of this failure?

A. NetBackup bpbkar process logs
B. The nbdevcontig command
C. Operating system event logs
D. The bpmedia command
E. The robtest utility

Correct Answer: A, C

Explanation:

When a restore operation fails in a NetBackup environment, it’s crucial to focus on tools and logs that provide detailed insights into the failure. The two most valuable resources for this situation are NetBackup’s bpbkar logs and the host operating system logs, as both offer visibility into common failure causes from both software and system perspectives.

Option A: NetBackup bpbkar process logs are a primary resource for analyzing backup and restore issues. The bpbkar (Backup and Archive) process handles both backup and restore operations on the client side. Its logs contain crucial information about file access, read/write operations, connection attempts, timeouts, and data transfer behavior. If the restore failed due to missing files, network timeouts, permission issues, or disk write errors, these logs will likely record the exact failure point. As a result, checking the bpbkar logs is typically one of the first troubleshooting steps in NetBackup.

Option C: Operating system logs are equally important, as not all issues stem directly from NetBackup itself. A restore operation may fail due to insufficient disk space, file system corruption, hardware failures, memory issues, or even access permissions at the OS level. The system logs (e.g., /var/log/messages on Linux or the Event Viewer on Windows) can help identify these conditions, which NetBackup may not fully capture on its own. These logs often complement bpbkar logs by providing a broader context of the system environment during the failure.

The other options, while useful for specific tasks, are not directly helpful for general restore troubleshooting:

• Option B: nbdevcontig is used for disk pool defragmentation and does not offer diagnostic information about failed operations.

• Option D: bpmedia deals with media-related operations like managing tape or disk status, but it’s more relevant to catalog and media handling than restore logic unless the failure is clearly linked to unavailable or bad media.

• Option E: robtest checks robotic tape libraries. It’s hardware-specific and would only be relevant if the failure involved a robotic arm malfunction or tape loading issue.

Thus, for general restore failure analysis, A (bpbkar logs) and C (OS logs) provide the most actionable diagnostic data.

Question 6:

Which of the following diagrams illustrates a configuration that supports backup operations extending across multiple BasicDisk storage devices?

A. Diagram A
B. Diagram B
C. Diagram C
D. Diagram D

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

To answer this question correctly, it’s important to understand what is meant by a backup that "spans" BasicDisk storage and how this relates to NetBackup’s capabilities. BasicDisk is a type of disk storage unit within NetBackup where data is written directly to a file system path—without the additional features found in more advanced storage solutions like AdvancedDisk, MSDP (Media Server Deduplication Pool), or cloud storage units.

When backups "span" storage, it means they can utilize more than one storage location or extend across multiple storage volumes. This becomes important in environments where data size exceeds the capacity of a single disk volume or where administrators want to leverage multiple disks for better distribution and redundancy.

The correct diagram—Diagram A—likely illustrates a configuration where NetBackup is set up to utilize multiple BasicDisk storage units as part of a storage unit group or load-balanced setup. NetBackup can be configured to distribute data across several BasicDisk volumes using Storage Unit Groups (SUGs), which act as a logical grouping of multiple storage units. This setup allows backup jobs to automatically span across multiple BasicDisks depending on capacity, availability, or configured priority.

In contrast, diagrams B, C, and D likely show configurations involving either:

• Only a single BasicDisk volume (which cannot "span" by itself),

• Non-BasicDisk storage types (e.g., cloud, tape, or MSDP),

• Or configurations that do not support spanning or load balancing.

Backup spanning across BasicDisks is typically done to overcome single-volume capacity limits or to distribute I/O across multiple disks. However, it’s important to note that this does not mean a single job’s data is split mid-stream across disks; rather, NetBackup assigns backup jobs or images to different BasicDisk units in a group as needed.

Therefore, Diagram A, which presumably shows a BasicDisk group or load-balanced structure, is the correct choice because it reflects a configuration that supports spanning backup operations across multiple BasicDisk volumes.

Question 7:

An organization has two office locations in separate cities and uses Auto Image Replication (AIR) via Storage Lifecycle Policies (SLP) to replicate backups between sites. Several small backup jobs (each 5 GB) have been completed during the daily backup window, totaling 15 GB. The backup window is now closed, and no new jobs are expected. 

When will the replication process begin for these completed jobs, considering that the SLP parameters have recently been changed?

A. 75 minutes after the backup jobs have finished
B. When the force interval for small replication jobs is triggered
C. Immediately after the backup jobs complete
D. When the total replication batch size reaches 20 GB

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

Auto Image Replication (AIR) is designed to support disaster recovery strategies by automatically duplicating backup images from one NetBackup domain to another. This replication is managed through Storage Lifecycle Policies (SLPs), which allow administrators to define when, how, and under what conditions images are replicated.

In this case, the organization is dealing with multiple small backup jobs—three in total, each 5 GB in size, for a cumulative size of 15 GB. These backups are completed, and since the backup window has closed, no additional backups are expected to increase the data volume before replication begins.

Storage Lifecycle Policies have specific parameters that influence replication timing. Among these parameters are the minimum batch size for replication and the force interval for small jobs. The minimum batch size tells NetBackup to delay replication until a certain data volume is met, which helps optimize performance and network utilization. However, if this size threshold isn’t reached within a defined period, the force interval ensures that smaller batches are still replicated to avoid indefinite delays.

Option A suggests a fixed delay of 75 minutes after backup completion, which is not a standard mechanism in NetBackup’s replication logic unless explicitly configured. Option C, which implies immediate replication after backup completion, would only apply if either the batch size is met or if the policy was set to replicate instantly—neither condition is met here. Option D references a 20 GB batch size, which exceeds the current cumulative size of 15 GB. Since no new backups are expected, waiting for this threshold would delay replication indefinitely.

Thus, the correct behavior—ensuring timely yet efficient replication of smaller jobs—is triggered by the force interval for small jobs, making B the correct answer. This setting helps maintain a balance between performance and data protection continuity, particularly in environments with many small but critical backup tasks.

Question 8:

While recovering a NetBackup primary server catalog to a new system, the administrator encounters a message indicating a mismatch: barcode GBP847S1 is associated with media ID P847S1. 

What should the administrator do to resolve this issue and continue with the recovery process?

A. Delete the tape, update the barcode rule, re-inventory the library, and proceed with recovery
B. Use the bplabel command to correct the media ID, re-inventory the library, and continue recovery
C. Use nbdelete to remove the current media ID, then use vmadd to re-add it, re-inventory the library, and recover
D. Delete the tape, change the media ID generation rule, re-inventory the library, and initiate recovery

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

In a NetBackup environment, each physical tape is identified by two labels: a barcode, which is typically read from the tape library, and a media ID, which NetBackup uses internally to catalog and manage media. During a catalog recovery, consistency between these identifiers is critical. If there is a mismatch—such as a barcode indicating one identifier while the catalog lists a different media ID—the recovery process will not proceed correctly until the conflict is resolved.

In this situation, the system has detected a discrepancy: barcode GBP847S1 is registered with media ID P847S1 in the catalog. To correct this, you need to realign the media ID with what NetBackup expects based on the barcode.

Option B is the correct course of action. The bplabel command is specifically designed to write or rewrite media headers on tapes and can be used to correctly assign or reassign a media ID. Once bplabel is used to match the barcode with the expected media ID, a re-inventory of the tape library ensures that NetBackup recognizes the updated media. Recovery can then proceed without further conflicts.

Option A involves deleting the tape and changing the barcode rule, which might solve future issues but is unnecessary and risky for the current recovery. Deleting the tape may also result in data loss if not done properly.

Option C adds unnecessary complexity by using nbdelete and vmadd. These tools are typically used for media management tasks like removing obsolete entries and manually adding media, but they don't directly resolve media ID mismatches during recovery.

Option D, like Option A, involves deleting the tape and adjusting media ID generation rules. Again, this affects future operations but does not fix the immediate mismatch problem at hand.

Therefore, B is the most effective and safest option, enabling proper alignment between the media ID and barcode, which is essential for a smooth and successful catalog recovery process.

Question 9:

What is the correct procedure for incorporating a new media server appliance into an existing NetBackup domain managed by a primary appliance server?

A. Begin configuring the media server; it will be automatically added to the primary server during the setup process.
B. Configure the new media server first, then manually modify the bp.conf file on the primary server to include it.
C. Use the Web Console to add the media server under Host Properties > Media Servers > Configure Media Server, and then configure the media server using a reissue token.
D. Access the Web Console and add the media server under Manage > Additional Servers, followed by configuration of the new media server.

Answer: C

Explanation:

When incorporating a new media server appliance into an existing NetBackup domain that is already managed by a primary appliance server, it's essential to follow the correct configuration sequence to ensure proper integration, security, and operational alignment.

The NetBackup environment requires centralized control through the primary server, and any new media servers must be recognized and authorized before they can function within the domain. The correct and recommended approach involves utilizing the NetBackup Web Console, which provides an intuitive GUI for administrative tasks.

Option C correctly describes this sequence. The process begins by accessing the Web Console of the primary server. From there, navigate to Host Properties > Media Servers > Configure Media Server. This interface is specifically designed for adding and managing media servers. During this step, the new server’s hostname and credentials are provided, and a reissue token is generated. This token ensures secure communication between the new media server and the primary server and verifies that the server being added is trusted.

The reissue token is then used during the initial setup of the new media server appliance, allowing it to register and configure itself in accordance with the domain's security policies and operational parameters. This two-step method—adding through the Web Console and using a reissue token—ensures seamless integration.

Option A is inaccurate because although some elements of media server configuration are automated, the initial registration with the primary server must be done explicitly. Automatic addition does not occur without manual initiation via the Web Console.

Option B refers to editing the bp.conf file manually, which is not the preferred or modern method for adding a media server in appliance environments. While bp.conf settings are still relevant in some legacy or non-appliance configurations, they do not replace the secure, centralized approach provided by the Web Console.

Option D points to a configuration path used for different server types, such as master servers or clusters. It’s not tailored to media server integration and therefore isn't applicable in this context.

Ultimately, Option C is the only one that accurately outlines the secure and supported method for integrating a media server into a NetBackup appliance-based environment.

Question 10:

What effect does enabling the “Maximum data streams” setting in the Client Attributes' General tab have on job management for that client?

A. It overrides the “Limit jobs per policy” setting, and the lower value between “Maximum data streams” and “Maximum jobs per client” will determine concurrency.
B. It ignores the “Maximum jobs per client” setting, and compares “Maximum data streams” with “Limit jobs per policy” to determine the lower limit.
C. It disregards the “Maximum concurrent jobs” for the storage unit and uses the lower of “Limit jobs per policy” and “Maximum data streams.”
D. It bypasses the storage unit’s “Maximum concurrent jobs” and uses the lower of “Maximum jobs per client” and “Limit jobs per policy.”

Answer: A

Explanation:

The “Maximum data streams” setting in NetBackup plays a critical role in managing how many backup jobs (or streams) can run simultaneously for a specific client. When enabled, this parameter directly influences how backup traffic is managed and ensures that client systems are not overwhelmed with excessive job requests, thereby maintaining performance and stability.

When this setting is active, it interacts with other job control parameters:

• Limit jobs per policy: Restricts how many jobs can run for a specific backup policy concurrently.

• Maximum jobs per client: Puts an upper limit on the total number of jobs (across all policies) that a client can handle concurrently.

• Maximum concurrent jobs per storage unit: Controls how many jobs can access a storage device at the same time.

Once the “Maximum data streams” setting is activated, the system must determine how many concurrent operations are permissible. Importantly, the system ignores the “Limit jobs per policy” when “Maximum data streams” is turned on. It then assesses the lowest value between “Maximum data streams” and “Maximum jobs per client” to regulate the client’s job concurrency.

Option A is correct because it captures this behavior precisely. The “Limit jobs per policy” parameter becomes irrelevant in this context, and the NetBackup scheduler considers whichever value is lower between “Maximum data streams” and “Maximum jobs per client” to govern job concurrency.

Option B is incorrect because “Maximum jobs per client” is not ignored; in fact, it is actively evaluated alongside “Maximum data streams.”

Option C and Option D reference the “Maximum concurrent jobs” setting on the storage unit. While that setting is important in a broader backup environment, it does not directly affect the behavior dictated by the “Maximum data streams” setting in the Client Attributes configuration. These options misrepresent the scope and hierarchy of job-limiting parameters.

Therefore, selecting Option A ensures an accurate understanding of how NetBackup manages concurrency when “Maximum data streams” is enabled.