#1 Global Leader in Data Resilience

How to keep OST files in Veeam Agent backup

KB ID: 3181
Product: Veeam Agent for Microsoft Windows
Version: Any
Published: 2020-05-14
Last Modified: 2021-01-13
mailbox
Get weekly article updates
By subscribing, you are agreeing to have your personal information managed in accordance with the terms of Veeam's Privacy Notice.

Cheers for trusting us with the spot in your mailbox!

Now you’re less likely to miss what’s been brewing in our knowledge base with this weekly digest

error icon

Oops! Something went wrong.

Please, try again later.

Challenge

When you create a backup using Veeam Agent for Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) excludes certain files like deleted, temporary, paging or OST files from the backup scope.
 

Cause

Veeam Agent for Microsoft Windows uses Microsoft VSS for backup operations. Microsoft VSS automatically excludes certain temporary files, such as the OST files, from VSS snapshot operations. These exclusions are controlled by the FilesNotToSnapshot registry key. To learn more, see this Microsoft Docs article.

User-added image

Solution

You can edit or delete subkeys of the FilesNotToSnapshot registry key to include automatically excluded files in the backup. For example, to include OST files, do the following:

  1. Open Registry Editor (click the Start button, select Run, enter regedit in the Open: box and select OK).
  2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\BackupRestore\FilesNotToSnapshot registry key.
  3. Delete the OutlookOST value.

Keep in mind that the OST files exclusion is recommended by Microsoft. To learn more about the recommendation, see this Microsoft Tech Community article.

Note Regarding Office Updates
It has been observed that some Mircrosoft Office updates may restore registry value (OutlookOST).
To submit feedback regarding this article, please click this link: Send Article Feedback
To report a typo on this page, highlight the typo with your mouse and press CTRL + Enter.

Spelling error in text

This site is protected by hCaptcha and its Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply except as noted in our Privacy Policy.
Thank you!

Thank you!

Your feedback has been received and will be reviewed.

Oops! Something went wrong.

Please, try again later.

You have selected too large block!

Please try select less.

KB Feedback/Suggestion

This form is only for KB Feedback/Suggestions, if you need help with the software open a support case

By submitting, you are agreeing to have your personal information managed in accordance with the terms of Veeam's Privacy Notice.
This site is protected by hCaptcha and its Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply except as noted in our Privacy Policy.
Verify your email to continue your product download
We've sent a verification code to:
  • Incorrect verification code. Please try again.
An email with a verification code was just sent to
Didn't receive the code? Click to resend in sec
Didn't receive the code? Click to resend
Thank you!

Thank you!

Your feedback has been received and will be reviewed.

error icon

Oops! Something went wrong.

Please, try again later.