Veeam Endpoint Backup: Common Issues and Solutions

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Introduction

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Veeam Endpoint Backup is a popular choice for protecting Hyper-V virtual machines (VMs) from data loss. However, like any software solution, it can sometimes encounter issues that require troubleshooting.

In this article, we will explore two common problems users have reported with Veeam Endpoint Backup and provide solutions to resolve them:

1. Continuous backup failures on the largest volume

2. IPS alerts during backups

Problem 1: Continuous Backup Failures on Largest Volume

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Symptoms:

- The backup process continuously fails when attempting to back up the largest volume, which is typically a Hyper-V guest VM.

- This failure can cause significant disruptions and leave virtual machines (VMs) in an unstable state.

Cause:

The most likely reason for this issue lies within resource constraints. When backing up large volumes or multiple VMs simultaneously, it may strain available system resources to the point where the backup process becomes stuck.

Solution 1: Adjust Resource Allocation

- Ensure that your Hyper-V host has sufficient RAM (at least 16 GB per physical processor) and free disk space for both the operating system and temporary files.

- Consider increasing the amount of memory allocated specifically to Veeam services if possible.

Problem 2: IPS Alerts During Backups

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Symptoms:

- While attempting a daily backup, users may encounter various IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) alerts on their client machines. These alerts often report shellcode download activity or similar suspicious network traffic.

- Temporarily disabling IPS allows the backup to complete successfully but re-enabling it triggers these same issues within a short period.

Cause:

This problem is most commonly linked to conflicts between Veeam Endpoint Backup and existing security software, such as Symantec EndPoint Protection (SEP).

Solution 2: Configure Exclusions for Veeam Services

- Add exclusions for the following processes in your IPS settings:

- vmsgha.exe

- vmservice.exe

This will prevent these legitimate Veevam services from being flagged as malicious during backups.

Veeam Endpoint Backup is a powerful tool for protecting Hyper-V VMs. However, like any software solution, it can encounter issues that require troubleshooting and resolution. By understanding the common causes behind continuous backup failures on large volumes (resource constraints) and IPS alerts during backups (conflicts with security software), you can take proactive steps to ensure smooth operation of your Veeam Endpoint Backup environment.

Remember: Always keep your operating system up-to-date, allocate sufficient resources for running VMs and temporary files, and configure appropriate exclusions for known services like those used by Veeam. By following these best practices, you'll be well-equipped to handle any challenges that may arise during the use of this essential backup solution.

References:

1. https://kb.virtuallyhelp.com/veeam/why-is-my-veeam-backup-failing-with-a-shellcode-download-error/

This article was written by 'Author Name' and last updated on 'Last Updated Date'.

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