[ ] Assess the Job Setup tab and review its listing to determine which jobs are currently configured on the system.
[ ] Review the selection list to ensure that all relevant data and file shares are being backed up and copied
[ ] Assess the Job Monitor tab to confirm that the jobs that are setup and configured are actually running as scheduled.
[ ] Review the job logs (Job History) to ensure that all data is being backed up or if there are minor errors, note what caused those errors to correct later.
[ ] Ensure that there that the job did not fail due to lack of space (or other chronic issues), because if it is then most likely the client needs larger storage or we must set media and jobs to allow for overwrite of data.
Backup Agents are needed for special data such as SQL and Exchange databases, or files located on remote computers. Many open files will not back up unless the Open File Agent is preset, installed and licensed on the data source.
Media Sets (Under the Media tab) are collections of backup media that share common properties. In Backup Exec, media sets can be adjusted under their properties to allow for overwrite and appends infinitely or after a certain period of time. This allows you to manage how media is managed when space begins to come into play. Verify these settings to ensure proper retention.
[ ] Review the Alerts tab and check under Active Alerts sub-tab and ensure that no jobs have been waiting on media or needed human interaction or response.
[ ] Review the Alert History sub-tab and verify that no jobs in the past were waiting for interaction or response.
[ ] Check backup notifications under each job and under the default preferences (Tools >> Recipients… & Tools >> Email and Pager Notification…), to ensure that the proper individuals are being notified about backups and alert items.
[ ] Review the Devices tab and verify that there are no devices/destination that are Offline.
[ ] Ensure that any devices that are currently listed as a backup destination (unless it is the member of a device pool) is online. If the device is a member of a device pool and that the backup job is referencing that pool then the jobs will continue once at least one of the pool’s devices is online).
Typically backup jobs will have destinations as being either tape, local or network storage. Most likely an external backup devices will fall under the tree as a Backup-to-Disk Folder. If the drive/device is not connected it may show up as Offline. If you are sure that the device is connected, right-click on the entry and ensure that devices is both confirmed as Online and also Enabled.
To learn more about Backup Exec – here are some additional links:
Symantec Backup Exec website
http://www.symantec.com/business/products/family.jsp?familyid=backupexec
Datasheets on usage of Backup Exec 2010 (Applications,Features, Agents)
http://www.symantec.com/business/products/datasheets.jsp?pcid=pcat_business_cont&pvid=57_1
Wikipedia on the architecture and history of Backup Exec
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backup_Exec
