Provider Type

0-auto

The VSS Provider is automatically selected based on the providers available for the snapshot volumes.

1-system

Only the default Microsoft VSS Provider is used.

2-software

Currently, the only software VSS Provider that is supported is SFW. If this provider is not in control of one of the volumes that is required for the backup, the backup fails.

3-hardware

The applicable hardware VSS Provider is used for the volumes. If a hardware provider is not available for one of the volumes that is required for the backup, the backup fails.

Snapshot Attribute

0-unspecified

1-differential

2-plex

The setting for this option depends on the configuration of the snapshot volume.

Maximum Snapshots (Instant Recovery only)

This option defines the number of snapshots that is retained for Instant Recovery. When this threshold is reached, a snapshot is automatically snapped back or deleted, depending on the VSS provider and its configuration before another snapshot backup is performed.

Select a number that is appropriate for the number of volumes that you have available to become snapshot volumes for your backup. If you use the Microsoft VSS Provider, consider the amount of disk space available for the virtual snapshots that it creates.