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 do not have Open File support with your backup program. 

Are there any requirements?

Yes.  The built-in Open File Add-On uses the Volume Shadow Service feature in the following versions of Windows:

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

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
• any SQL/MySQL database(s)
• SAP files
• Terminal Services
• ...and any other file or database that is open at the time of the backup!
 

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 a database at that moment (the SQL database, the Exchange Server database, etc).   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.

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 Server that your Backup Clients are going to be using the Open File Add-On:

1. Go to the Backup Server > Clients panel and select 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 Backup Server 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 the 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 (Manage Backup Sets > Modify a Backup Set >  Select Files.)
2. Please note that during the 30-Day Trial period, you can use the Open File Add-on on up to ten (10) computers that you are backing up.

How much does the Open File Add-On cost?

The Open File Add-On is included with every new Backup Client license purchase and there are quantity discounts at the 5, 10, 20 and 25 marks.  The more Servers you need to backup, the lower the price per Server!  Please visit the Online Order form or the pricing chart for more pricing information.

Windows Server 2000 Information

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

If your office has an older Windows 2000 Server (we know there are still some out there!), you can still use Backup for Workgroups to backup the Active Directory and Exchange Server databases on these servers.   Under Windows 2000, 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.

For files and databases associated with applications other than Active Directory and Exchange Server, you can use the "Start/Stop Services" feature available in the Backup Client software which allows you to tell Backup for Workgroups to shut down certain services so all of the files associated with that service are in a closed state and available to backup.  Read more about the "Start / Stop Services" feature.