What to do when the Backup Client reports that the Backup Server cannot write to its database files.

Background:

The backup process stores information about each file that is backed up in databases stored at both the Backup Client and the Backup Server.  The Backup Server software updates its database file after each file is backed up.  If there is a problem with updating this database file, the Backup Client will stop the backup and report that the Backup Server cannot write to its database files.

How to fix this issue:

Step 1 - Verify the backup storage drive is accessible

1. Go to the computer that is running the Backup for Workgroups Server software.
2. Run the Backup for Workgroups admin.
3. Go to the Storage Panel
4. The top half of the Storage Panel shows the list of primary storage locations.  Make sure all of the primary storage locations are online and listed as active.  If any are listed as offline or write protected, then correct and access issues.

Step 2 - Perform a simple reset of the Backup Server and the storage devices

Stop the Backup for Workgroups service.

1. Go to the Computer running the Backup for Workgroups Backup Server Software
2. Right click on My Computer and select Manage.
3. At the Computer Management windows, expand "Services and Application" and then highlight "Services".
4. Right click on the service named "Backup for Workgroups" and select Stop.

If you are using an external hard drive such as a USB Drive for the primary backup storage drive, power down and up the USB drive.  This will reset the drive.

If you are using a NAS unit to hold the backup storage, reboot the unit or power it down and up to reset the device.  After resetting the NAS unit make sure all access to the NAS unit has normal full access rights for the account that Backup for Workgroups uses to access the NAS unit.

Once you have verified that the storage drives are operating normally, then start the Backup for Workgroups service.

1. Go to the Computer running the Backup for Workgroups Backup Server Software
2. Right click on My Computer and select Manage.
3. At the Computer Management windows, expand "Services and Application" and then highlight "Services".
4. Right click on the service named "Backup for Workgroups" and select Start.

Now run the Backup for Workgroups Client software and perform a backup.