Set the number of media copies for Remote Storage

Remote Storage automatically archives data to removable media from a managed NTFS volume. The service migrates files when they have not been accessed for an extended period of time or when a managed disk drops below a percentage of free disk space (as designated by the administrator).

If volumes are backed up using NTBackup or third-party backup software, administrators are advised not to back up remote storage data from remote media, since this will result in only a single copy of the migrated data being stored on the remote storage media.

If only a single copy of the media master set is made, the remote storage media data would be lost if a site failure occurred. To prevent this, all remote storage media master sets should be copied up to two times for redundancy and offsite storage. To enable remote storage master media set copies, at least two or more drives enabled for Remote Storage must be available.

To set the number of media copies for Remote Storage, follow these seven steps:

1. Log on to the server using an account that has the right to back up the system. Any Local Administrator or Domain Administrator has the necessary permissions to complete the operation.
2. Click on Start button and go to All Programs
3. Select Administrative Tools and click on Remote Storage.
4. When a console opens up, right-click Remote Storage and select Properties from the left pane of console.
5. Select the Media Copies tab.
6. Under the Number of Media Copy Sets, configure the number of copies by choosing 0, 1 or 2. Note: This option will be enabled only if more than one drive for remote storage media is available on the system.
7. Click OK to save the option, close the Remote Storage console, and log off the server.

More information on this topic:

• Tip: Make the most of Remote Storage Service in Windows 2003
  
• Topics: Windows storage management
  
• RSS: Sign up for our RSS feed to receive expert advice every day.