How to configure Backup Exec Agent for VMware to retry snapshot removal and cleanup orphaned snapshots when backups begin.

Problem

This article describes the process of setting up Backup Exec Agent for VMware to retry snapshots removal and the cleanup or orphaned snapshots in Backup Exec

VMware snapshot was not deleted after the completion of successful backup. Clearing snapshot files.

Solution

With Backup Exec 2012 Hotfix 199866 and above functionality has been added to Backup Exec to attempt to remove snapshots multiple times if the first attempt fails and to attempt to cleanup orphaned Backup Exec snapshots if they exist at the beginning of the backup job.

Steps to configure snapshot retries:

1. Stop all of the Backup Exec services.
2. Open regedit on the Backup Exec server.

Warning: Incorrect use of the Windows registry editor may prevent the operating system from functioning properly. Great care should be taken when making changes to a Windows registry. Registry modifications should only be carried-out by persons experienced in the use of the registry editor application. It is recommended that a complete backup of the registry and workstation be made prior to making any registry changes.

1. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Veritas\Backup Exec for Windows\Backup Exec\Engine\VMWare Agent
2. Change the value of the following key (create as DWORD if it does not exist):
3. "AutoOrphanSnapshotRemoval" value data = 1
4. Change the value of the following key (create as DWORD if it does not exist):
5. "RemoveSnapshotRetryCount" value data = non-zero (this controls the number of retries, suggested to set as 2 initially)
6. Exit regedit
7. Start the Backup Exec services

Note: All keys are DWORD (32-bit) Value and all value data settings should be set to Hexadecimal.  Setting the key to a value of "0" will disable the functionality.
Note: Any orphaned snapshots left prior to installing and configuring these settings will have to manually be removed.
Note: It is possible for something in the VMware environment to be causing the failure to remove, in such cases these registry keys may not help and customer should consider troubleshooting with VMware.

Requirements:  Before making the changes listed in this article, Backup Exec 2012 Hotfix 19986 (or later) must be installed on the Backup Exec server.