Operation Manual

Skip the task execution

Delaying a backup might be unacceptable, for example, when you need to back up data strictly at the

specified time. Then it makes sense to skip the backup rather than wait for the conditions, especially

if the events occur relatively often.

4.7.23 Volume Shadow Copy Service

These options are effective only for Windows operating systems.

Using Volume Shadow Copy Service

This option defines whether a Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) provider has to notify VSS-aware

applications that the backup is about to start. This ensures the consistent state of all data used by the

applications; in particular, completion of all database transactions at the moment of taking the data

snapshot by Acronis Backup. Data consistency, in turn, ensures that the application will be recovered

in the correct state and become operational immediately after recovery.

The preset is: Use Volume Shadow Copy Service.

Use VSS

When Use Volume Shadow Copy Service is selected, choose a snapshot provider from the following

list:

 Hardware/software - Select automatically

VSS will use the hardware-based provider that supports the source volume. If one is not found,

VSS will try to use a software-based provider, the Microsoft Software Shadow Copy provider, and

Acronis VSS Provider in turn.

 Software - Select automatically

VSS will use any available software-based provider. If one is not found, VSS will try to use the

Microsoft Software Shadow Copy provider, and Acronis VSS Provider in turn.

 Software - Acronis VSS Provider

VSS will use Acronis VSS Provider.

 Software - System provider (selected by default)

VSS will use the Microsoft Software Shadow Copy provider. We recommend choosing the system

provider when backing up application servers (Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft SQL Server,

Microsoft SharePoint, or Active Directory).

 Software - A software provider

VSS will use any available software-based provider that supports the source volume.

 Hardware - Select automatically

VSS will use the hardware-based provider that supports the source volume.

If a snapshot cannot be taken by using any of the specified providers, Acronis Backup will take a

snapshot by using its own Snapshot Manager driver (snapman.sys).

Note: Using a hardware snapshot provider may require administrative privileges.

Do not use VSS

If you select Do not use VSS, Acronis Backup will take a snapshot by using its own Snapshot Manager

driver.