Installation and User's Guide

Deleting backup dataRelated concepts“Backup (Windows): Additional considerations” on page 154Chapter 13, “Using commands,” on page 519If your administrator has given you authority, you can delete individual backupcopies from the Tivoli Storage Manager server without deleting the entire filespace.For example, you might need to delete sensitive data that was backed up(intentionally or unintentionally), and now needs to be removed from the server.Or you might need to delete files that were backed up, but were later found tocontain viruses. To determine if you have the authority to delete individual backupcopies from the Tivoli Storage Manager server without deleting the entire filespace, select File → Connection Information from the Tivoli Storage Manager GUIor Web client main menu. Your authority status is provided in the Delete BackupFiles field.Important: When you delete backup files, you cannot restore them. Verify that thebackup files are no longer needed before you delete them. Tivoli Storage Managerprompts whether you want to continue with the delete. If you specify yes, thespecified backup files are immediately deleted and removed from Tivoli StorageManager server storage.To delete backup copies using the Tivoli Storage Manager GUI or Web client:1. Select Delete Backup Data from the Utilities menu. The Backup Deletewindow appears.2. Expand the Directory tree by clicking the plus sign (+) or folder icon next tothe object you want to expand.3. Select an item from the drop-down list near the top of the Backup Deletewindow to specify the type of backup delete to perform. You can delete activebackup versions, inactive backup versions, or all objects that you have selectedin the tree. A directory is deleted only if you select Delete All Objects.To delete backup copies using the Tivoli Storage Manager command line client, usethe delete backup command.Related reference“Delete Backup” on page 560When to back up and when to archive filesWhen the backup-archive client backs up or archives a file, it sends a copy of thefile and its associated attributes to the server; however, backups and archives havedifferent goals.Use backups to protect against unforeseen damage to your files, and use archivesfor maintaining more permanent versions of your files.Backup data is managed by version, using predetermined policy based rules. Usingthese rules, the Tivoli Storage Manager administrator can control the following:v The number of versionsv The number of days each additional backup copy is keptChapter 4. Backing up your data 105