NTBACKUP

Backup to tape: drives, folders and the systemstate.

Syntax:

    NTBACKUP backup [systemstate] "@bks file name"
                /J {"job name"} [options] [/SNAP:{on|off}] [/um]

options:

systemstate
  Back up the System State data. 
  This will also force the backup type to normal or copy.

@bks file name
  The name of the backup selection file (.bks file).
  In WinXP the at (@) character must precede this name.
  A backup selection file contains information on the files and folders 
  to be backed up. 
  You have to create the file using the GUI version of NT Backup.

/J {"job name"}
  The job name to be used in the log file 
  Describe the files and folders and the backup date-time.

/P {"pool name"}
  The media pool from which you want to use media. 
  Usually a subpool of the Backup media pool, such as 4mm DDS.
  If you select this you cannot use /A, /G, /F, or /T

/G {"guid name"}
  Overwrite or append to this tape. 
  Don't use with a media Pool (/P).

/T {"tape name"}
  Overwrite or append to this tape.
  Don't use with a media Pool (/P).

/A
  Perform an append operation. 
  Either "guid name" (/G) or "tape name" (/T) must be specified with this switch. 
  Don't use with a media Pool (/P).

/N {"media name"}
  The new tape name. Don't use with Append (/A).

/F {"file name"}
  Backup to a file - logical disk path and file name.
  Do not use with the switches: /P /G /T.

/D {"set description"}
  Label for each backup set

/DS {"server name"}
  Back up the directory service file for MS Exchange 5.5 server. 
  This is not needed/does not work with Exchange 2000 since Exchange 2000
  uses Active Directory.

/IS {"server name"}
  Back up the Information Store file for an MS Exchange 5.5 Server.

/V:{yes|no}
  Verify the data after the backup is complete.

/R:{yes|no}
  Restrict access to this tape to the Owner/AdministratorS

/L:{f|s|n}
  The type of log file: f=full, s=summary, n=none

/M {backup type}
  The backup type. One of: normal, copy, differential, incremental, or daily

/RS:{yes|no}
  Backs up the migrated data files located in Remote Storage. 
  The /RS command-line option is not required to back up the local Removable 
  Storage database (that contains the Remote Storage placeholder files). 
  When you backup the %systemroot% folder, Backup automatically backs up the 
  Removable Storage database as well.

/HC:{on|off}
  Use hardware compression, if available, on the tape drive.

/SNAP:{on|off}
  Copy open/locked files, requires XP or 2003,
  creates a temporary snapshot for the volume shadow copy.

/um  (Windows 2000 only)
  Find the first available media, format it, and use for the current backup.
  Use with the /p switch to scan for available media pools. 
  This command is only for standalone tape devices (not tape loaders.)
  The /UM switch must be at the end of the command line.

NTBackup has a reputation for being clumsy and unreliable, Microsoft Data Protection Manager is a more robust solution for Windows backup and recovery. Third party and cross platform tools are also available: List of backup software

NT Backup is not compatible with the Windows Vista backup utility.

Mick Jagger sang backup vocals for "You're so Vain" by Carly Simon

Related Commands:

NTBackup.us - articles about NT Backup
Utility to Restore NT Backups for Windows Vista
Hobocopy - simple VSS tool to copy locked files.
Q821730 - Backup does not run as expected (Server 2003)
Q814583 - NT Backup in Windows Server 2003
Q237310 - Manually Edit Ntbackup.exe Selection Script Files

Equivalent Linux bash command:

tar - Tape ARchiver