Open File Add-On

The Open File Add-On works in conjunction with the Backup Client software to expand the coverage of the backup to include files that are in use and locked at the time of the backup.

Why do I need the Open File Add-On?

Files that are in use and locked are normally skipped if you are not using the Open File Add-On.

Are there any requirements?

Yes - the Open File Add-On is compatible with a Backup Client running on:

• Windows Server 2008 (32-bit and 64-bit)
• Windows Server 2003 (32-bit and 64-bit)
• WIndows 7
• Windows Vista
• Windows XP

The list above also includes the Small Business Server (SBS), Enterprise, Standard , and Data Center versions of Windows 2003 and Windows 2008.

Also included are all versions of Windows 7, Vista and Windows XP (Pro, Home, Media Center, etc.)

What gets backed up by the Open File Add-On?

The Backup Client software is in charge of backing up the Operating System, the Windows Registry, your installed applications and any data files not in use. The Open File Add-On expands the functionality of the Client to include any files that are open or in use, such as:

• the Exchange Server database
• the Active Directory database
• the SQL Server database
• SAP files
• Terminal Services
• ...and any other file that is open at the time of the backup!
 

How do I use/activate the Open File Add-On?

The Open File Add-On is built into the Backup Client, so you do not need to download and install any software other than the usual Backup for Workgroups program.

But, you do need to tell the Backup for Workgroups Data Repository Manager which of your Backup Clients are going to be using the Open File Add-On:

1. Go to the Data Repository Manager > Clients panel andselect the Client that you want to use the Open File Add-On
2. Press the "Modify" button.  At the Modify Client dialog, check the Open File option. Press "OK" to save these changes.
3. The next time the Client logs into the Data Repository Manager to perform a backup, it will be informed of the new Open File Add-On setting, and open files will now be included in the backup.

Important Notes About the Open File Add-On:

1. It is always a good idea to visit the Backup Client > Tools > Manage Backup Sets menu to ensure the files/folders/items you wish to have included in the backup are selected.  Just turning on the "Open File" option for the Client account does not automatically change settings in your Client Backup Set:  if you need to include Exchange Server in the backup, please check your Backup Set and make sure the "Exchange Server" icon has been selected.
2. Please note that during the evaluation period, you can use the Open File Add-on on up to ten (10) computers that you are backing up. After the evaluation, you must purchase an Open File Add-on license for each computer that needs to use the Open File Add-On.
3. The Open File Add-On is licensed on a per Client basis, and is not a global setting for all Clients.  You will need to purchase an Open File Add-On license for each Client that requires open file support.  Volume pricing starts with as few as two (2) Open File Add-Ons.

How much does the Open File Add-On cost?

The price for one (1) Open File Add-On license is $199. We have volume pricing that starts with as few as two (2) Open File licenses the price drops to $129/each, and starting at quantity five (5) Open File licenses, the pricing matches the Backup Client, which is $79/each. Please visit our pricing chart for more pricing information.

How does the Open File Add-On work?

Open File Add-On can backup any file or database that is open and in-use by utilizing the Windows Volume Shadow Service available with the Windows operating system. When a backup is ready to start, the Volume Shadow Service will make a copy of the database at that moment. This allows Backup for Workgroups to backup the copy of the database while users can continue to interact with and make changes to the original database on the server. Any changes made to the original database after the copy was made will be included in the next backup that occurs.

View a sample installation page for SBS 2003.

Please note: The Open File Add-On is only for Windows 2008/2003 Servers, Windows 7, Vista and Windows XP desktops.

If you are running Windows 2000 or even NT, you can still use Backup for Workgroups to backup the Active Directory and Exchange Server databases on these servers.   Under these older operating systems, the Open File Add-On will convert itself into an API-based tool that will backup only the Exchange database and Active Directory database.  Other open files may be skipped.