Repository Synchronization
The repository is a database that contains information on data backed up to the storage account, including operations performed with data and auxiliary information. The repository is used to track backup data and ensure that objects that are already in backup storage are not backed up again. Using the repository significantly reduces the number of requests sent to backup storage and decreases storage bills for cloud accounts.
In some cases, some differences between data in backup storage and data in the repository may occur. This means that the repository is not synchronized. The unsynchronized repository may be the reason for the absence of backed-up objects in Backup Agent or in the Management Console.
To bring the list of backup contents to order, synchronize the repository.
Note that repository synchronization may take up to several hours for large amounts of data, so it is not recommended to perform synchronization unless it is necessary.
Repository Synchronization Considerations
Repository Synchronization may take a lot of time for the legacy backup (CBF), especially in the case of backing up millions or more files. The synchronization duration depends on the number of files, not on the backup size.
If you want to avoid having a long/slow sync in the future, we suggest switching to the new backup format (NBF).
Even after switching to the new backup format, you need to ensure that old legacy backups are deleted before trying to synchronize the repository again; otherwise, they will still be synced and slow down the process.
If you do not want to switch to the new backup format, just be ready to wait. There is no workaround to speed up the process.
Synchronize Repository in Management Console
To synchronize the repository in the Management Console, proceed as follows:
- Open the Management Console.
- Navigate to Computers.
- Find the required computer, then expand actions at the end of the computer row.
- Expand actions at the end of the computer entry.
- Select Edit, then select Edit Options.
- Expand the Repository bar, then click Synchronize Repository.
Click Synchronize Now and close the dialog.
Once the synchronization is completed, click Close.
Repository synchronization may take some time, depending on the backup size on a storage destination. During the repository synchronization, no backup data is displayed.
Note that it is possible to schedule the repository synchronization before every backup plan starts. To learn how to enable this option, refer to the Pre/Post Actions paragraph of the following chapters:
Synchronize Repository in Backup Agent
You can also synchronize the repository directly in Backup Agent.
To synchronize the repository in Backup Agent, proceed as follows:
- In Backup Agent, select Tools.
- Click the Options icon.
- In the Options property box, switch to the Repository tab.
- Click Synchronize Repository.
- Select the storage account to synchronize.
- Click Synchronize Now.
Note that repository synchronization may take some time, depending on the backup size on a storage destination. During the repository synchronization, no backup data is displayed on the Backup Storage tab.
- Once the synchronization is completed, click Close.