We just noticed a problem with Backup Agent:

Our application is using Pervasive Data Provider for .NET and database files
are just opened if needed, meaning the database files are NOT constantly
open. If we now start the Backup Agent, no files are set to continuous
operation which is ok. Now assuming the backup software starts backup for a
large database file opening the file in read/write mode - now our
application opens this file and Backup Agent tries to set it into continuous
operation - this will fail because the file is already opened by the backup
software.

The only way we can see to solve that problem is using butil command with a
list file, but this is also a problem because sometimes new database files
are created by our application.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks for any help.


Michael Last

Backup Agent suffers horribly from the absence of a "white list", or a
way to force a given set of files open. This creates the exact issue
that you have witnessed, and causes problems with backups.

The solution is to implement your own WhiteList solution. Create a
batch file that runs immediately after your PVBACKUP -ON command that
causes all of the "critical" Btrieve files to be opened. You can use a
tool like our HoldOpen (www.goldstarsoftware.com/tools.asp) if you want
to create a specific list of files, or if you want to use wildcards,
then a tool like ListStat (same address) can be issued with a command
like "LISTSTAT *.BTR" and all Btrieve files in the directory will be
opened and placed into backup mode.

Only then, AFTER the LISTSTAT command finishes, should you start the
backup process.
Goldstar Software Inc.
Pervasive-based Products, Training & Services
Bill Bach
BillBach (AT) goldstarsoftware (DOT) com
http://www.goldstarsoftware.com
*** Pervasive Training - July in Chicago ***


michael last wrote:

Bill / Michael

Thanks for the info.

I think we will then use BUTIL and save the money for the backup agent.


Michael Last

"BtrieveBill" <billbach (AT) goldstarsoftware (DOT) com> wrote