Deduplication of backup data is often an important feature for business users. Deduplication reduces the amount of storage space required for backup. In this article, we show you how to deduplicate backup data with Langmeier Backup Backup.

Adding deduplication as a server feature

Deduplication is added as a server feature, usually via Server Manageror alternatively via PowerShell. It is dependent on File and Storage Services. If these have already been set up, then you need to expand the tree below this role, where you will find Data Deduplication 



While installing the feature sets the stage for deduplication, enabling it is done on a per volume basis. This can be done when creating new volumes as well as by configuring existing ones. If there is already a lot of data on a drive, then you have to expect that reclaiming disk space will take some time.

Wizard for new volumes enables deduplication

If you want to set up a new volume, then select File/Storage Services in the Server Manager in the left navigation bar and then switch to Disk or Storage Pools. There you can set up Volumes or Virtual Disks in the lower left window. The wizard responsible for this provides a separate dialog for enabling and configuring deduplication.



Here you can specify after how many days a new or modified file will be processed (measured by Last Modified). The default is 5 days, but you can also set it to zero so that deduplication takes effect regardless of the age of a file. Furthermore, the wizard offers the possibility to exclude certain file types based on their extension.

Timed optimization of disk space

Another setting allows time-controlled execution of deduplication as an addition or alternative to the background process. Explicitly starting the storage saver via schedules is interesting when a server is so busy during the day that the background process does not get enough resources.



Another option, accessed via the (Configure deduplication) command in the context menu of volumes, allows you to exclude entire directories. In this dialog you can also deactivate deduplication. This will prevent files from being processed in the future, but the already deduplicated files will not be restored to their original state.

The system requirements to use deduplication are as follows:

• Windows Server 2012
• NTFS partition

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About the Author Sebastian Müller, partner support

Sebastian Müller is partner and top customer support at Langmeier Software, making him the best person to talk to about Langmeier backup backup solutions.

Phone: +41 44 861 15 70
Email: sebastian@langmeier-software.com

Further lookup: Langmeier Backup, Backup, Datensicherung

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