VSS admin output clarification

Question

Hi,

I need a clarification on the output of VSSadmin list shadows

When i run this command in my lab server i am getting the output with type as "ClientAccessible"

I also received an output file from customer after running the same command but here the type is displayed as "ApplicationRollback" and these shadow copies are not displayed under volume properties.

1. What is the difference between both the types? Is ApplicationRollback type is generated by any thirdparty backup solution
2. I have tried deleting the shadow copy type ClientAccessible using vssadmin delete shadows. Can we use the same command to delete the shadow copy type ApplicationRollback

Please help

Thanks
Srinivas M

Answer 1

Hi,

Thank you for your reply!

1) Type "ClientAccessible" will occur when you create Shadow Copies on a Windows client by means of OS; while type "ApplicationRollback" will appear when you create Shadow Copies through some third-party tools like NetBackup or Sonicwall capture client (Advanced) Rollback, etc.

The difference: the created Shadows Copies through Windows OS are visible, browseable and restorable in Windows Explorer (by "Restore previous versions" option etc); while the ones created by third party tools are not visible/restorable on OS level. Only on the third-party like NetBackup, level.

2) Based on 1), you can see that you may not be able to delete shadow copies with type "ApplicationRollback" by normal vssadmin command, you can run the command in this article to delete "ApplicationRollback" copies:

https://www.mass.dk/netbackup-quick-hints/deleting-an-application-rollback-shadow-image/

(Please note: Information posted in the given link is hosted by a third party. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy and effectiveness of information.)

In addition, this article is for NetBackup and I am not sure whether the command is suitable for your third-party tool as well. So, I suggest you to identify the third-party tool and search for the commands specific fot that tool to delete related shadow copies.

Thank you for your support and understanding! Wish you have a wonderful day! : ) And don't forget to help me "Accept Answer" if my reply is helpful.

BR,
Joan

---

If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

Answer 2

Hi Joan,

Thanks for the response.

1. I have seen this article before but to delete the shadow copies on that particular volume i just reduce the shadow copy storage size which removed all the shadow copies on that volume. https://www.mass.dk/netbackup-quick-hints/deleting-an-application-rollback-shadow-image/

Thanks
Sunny

Answer 3

I could not get to the shadow copies from SystemPropertiesAdvanced.exe but was able to see the configuration via VSSUIRUN.exe so will try that. Our shadows are also showing as ApplicationRollback and I am thinking that's why they don't show in the System Properties, unlike ClientAccessible would.