Symantec Volume Snapshot Provider cache file location

When the Symantec Volume Snapshot Provider (VSP) and the Advanced Open File Option (AOFO) are used, Backup Exec creates a cache file on the disk to save any changes that are made to the files on the volume while it is being snapped. Backup Exec automatically calculates the sizes of the cache files needed for the backup, as well as the location of the cache files. The cache file is created in a hidden folder named Backup Exec AOFO Store in the root of the selected volume. The cache file extension is .vsp.

Backup Exec locates the Symantec Volume Snapshot Provider (VSP) cache files based on the following:

Table: How Backup Exec locates VSP cache files

Item	Description	Notes
If you used the AOFO wizard to specify a location for the cache files	The location that you specified is used if it is not write-protected, and if it is not part of the resources that are being snapped.	If multiple source volumes (the volumes to be snapped) are being snapped, then multiple cache files (one for each source volume) are located on the volume you specified (if that volume is not being snapped).
If you have not specified a location for the cache file	Backup Exec will attempt to locate the cache file on volumes other than the source volumes. If the criteria for the non-source volumes are not met, the cache file is created on the source volume.	These volumes must meet the following requirements: The volumes must be fixed drives. The volumes must use a recognized file system (FAT, FAT32, or NTFS). The volumes must be mounted locally. The volumes must be valid cache file locations. A valid cache file location must meet the following requirements: Cannot be a location for a snapshot by another job that is currently running. Cannot contain another active cache file. Cannot be write-protected or disabled.

Item

Description

Notes

If you used the AOFO wizard to specify a location for the cache files

The location that you specified is used if it is not write-protected, and if it is not part of the resources that are being snapped.

If multiple source volumes (the volumes to be snapped) are being snapped, then multiple cache files (one for each source volume) are located on the volume you specified (if that volume is not being snapped).

If you have not specified a location for the cache file

Backup Exec will attempt to locate the cache file on volumes other than the source volumes.

If the criteria for the non-source volumes are not met, the cache file is created on the source volume.

These volumes must meet the following requirements:

The volumes must be fixed drives.
The volumes must use a recognized file system (FAT, FAT32, or NTFS).
The volumes must be mounted locally.
The volumes must be valid cache file locations.

A valid cache file location must meet the following requirements:

Cannot be a location for a snapshot by another job that is currently running.
Cannot contain another active cache file.
Cannot be write-protected or disabled.