ntbackup files, read contents

[Agostino]

Does anyone know the format of the backup files created with ntbackup?
Is something like a standard 'zip' format?
I have a simple backup system, but want to open it 'programmatically' in
order to verify that all is 'in place'.
Thanks in advance
Agostino

 

[Patrick Keenan]

Does anyone know the format of the backup files created with ntbackup?

You might have a look at http://www.fpns.net/willy/msbackup.htm#BKF-FMT

which I found by googling "ntbackup file format".

Is something like a standard 'zip' format?
Nope.

I have a simple backup system, but want to open it 'programmatically' in
order to verify that all is 'in place'.
Thanks in advance
Agostino

Consider using a backup utility with a more open format. There *are*
backup apps, like Backup Plus, which do use the zip format (renamed to
..bac). Note that these can have difficulties (i.e., they can't) creating
files greater than 4 gig, a limitation of the particular zip engine used.

IIRC, ntbackup is a "lite" version of Veritas Backup Exec, which is now a
Symantec product. You may be able to find format tools there.

HTH
-pk