Symantec recommends that you select a backup-to-disk folder on a volume that does not have file size limitations as the destination for backups that are enabled for Granular Recovery Technology (GRT). An NTFS drive is an example of a volume without file size limitations. Some examples of volumes that have file size limitations include FAT and FAT32 volumes.

If you must use a backup-to-disk folder on a volume with file size limitations, Backup Exec requires a staging location. Backup Exec temporarily stores a small amount of metadata in the staging location during the backup job. It deletes the data from the staging location when the backup is finished. The staging location is not necessary, however, if you use a backup-to-disk folder on a volume without file size limitations as the destination.

The staging location's default path is C:\temp.

You can change the default staging location with the other default backup options.

See Setting default backup options.

Backup Exec also uses a staging location to restore GRT-enabled data from a tape or from a backup-to-disk folder on a volume with file size limitations. The staging location must be on a volume that does not have file size limitations and is local to the media server. The staging location is not necessary if you restore GRT-enabled data from a backup-to-disk folder on a volume without file size limitations, such as NTFS.

Backup Exec uses the staging area differently for the following types of restores:

The staging location's default path is C:\temp. You can change the default restore staging location with the other default restore options.

See Setting defaults for restore jobs.