Backing up Samba shares (CIFS) on Linux servers using Backup Exec

Problem

When attempting to connect to a User Defined share that is a Samba (SMB/CIFS) share on a Linux Server, Backup Exec reports Failed to log on to: 10.65.50.23

Error Message

 Failed to log on to: 10.65.50.23

Logon account: System Logon Account

Access is denied

Cause

Backup Exec uses the default login to list and connect to User Defined Shares.  When connecting to a Samba share on a Linux server, there must be a Samba user on the server with a username and password that matches the username and password for Backup Exec's default login.  The default login account that is being used by Backup Exec can be seen by going to the Network / Logon Accounts ... dialog.  Look for the account that has "Yes" in the Default column.

Solution

Warning: User Defined Shares are not the preferred method for backing up data from a Linux server.  Backing up using this method is only going to back up the data and some rudimentary file attributes.  It will not back up Linux file permissions.  The preferred method of backing up a Linux server is to use the Remote Agent for Linus or UNIX Servers (RALUS)

The workaround for this issue is to create a Samba user on the Linux system that matches the username and password used in the default account with Backup Exec.  Note that the domain or workgroup for the username does not have to be used.  For example, on a media server in a workgroup, the System Logon Account is typically the default account.  Unless it was changed, the username for this will be something like SERVER_NAME\Administrator.  If this is the case, create a Samba user called Administrator and make the password match the Administrator password on the media server.