Append-only backups to a network folder

In append-only mode, the agent only adds data to the backup archive, and never rewrites or deletes the data that is already in it. This mode reduces the likelihood that a hardware fault in the network storage damages an existing backup.

The agent uses append-only mode when both of the following conditions are met:

• The backup destination or the replication location is a network folder.

• The protection plan uses the Custom or the Weekly full, Daily incremental backup scheme.

When you select a network folder in Where to back up, the protection plan switches to the Custom scheme, with a full backup on Friday and incremental backups from Monday to Thursday. You can change this schedule, or select a different backup scheme.

Append-only mode applies only to new backup archives. An archive that already exists continues to use the mode in which it was created.

In append-only mode, the agent does not delete individual backups. When a backup expires according to the retention rules, the agent marks that backup for deletion. The agent deletes a backup chain only after all backups in the chain are marked. A backup chain is a full backup and its incremental backups, or a differential backup and its incremental backups.

As a result, the agent frees the storage space later than with the other backup schemes. The agent does not replicate the backups that are marked for deletion.