Application connection failed for servername\. Please select a different SQL server host and instance, or press ‘cancel’ to exit the NetBackup for SQL Server Graphical User Interface.

According to this page, this error is caused by windows 2008′s “User Account Control”. You need to run”Netbackup Ms-Sql client” with “Run As Administrator” privilege.

Right click “Netbackup Ms-Sql client” and select “Run as Administrator” and “Apply”. Try to connect to ms-sql server again and you should be able to see databases now…

Checklist

1. Check that netbackup client is installed on the sql server.

2. Check operating system (which windows version?)

3. Check that there is enough disk space where you will be installing netbackup client.

4. Check that netbackup server can reach client, and the client can reach to netbackup server, by resolving their names and IP addresses.

Howto

First of all, you need to create a backup script on the client server (ms-sql server). Enter required paramaters (eg: database username/password) and select the databases to backup. Then save this as a file (do not select backup option, select save option) in the directory c:\Program Files\Veritas\NetBackup\DbExt\MsSql

This directory is important as netbackup will try execute backup scripts inside this directory.

On the Netbackup administration console:

1.Create a new policy, choose “MS-SQL” as the policy type and select policy storage unit and volume pool according to your needs.

Create a new policy

2. After “MS-SQL” is selected as policy type, a schedule named “Default-Application-Backup” schedule is added automaticaly.

Default-Application-Backup Schedule

3. Create a new schedule with policy type “Automatic Backup” and configure according to your needs.

Create a new Application Backup schedule

4. Your schedules will look like below.

MS-SQL Schedules

5. Add your sql server as a new client and select operating system if necessary

Add your client (Sql Server)

6. Add backup script from the client (Backup script recorded on sql server) as a new backup selection.

Add Backup script

7. Click OK and start a new Manual Backup to test your policy. Keep in mind that, every database will be backed up  using Default-Application-Backup schedule, everytime called by Application Backup schedule.

MS-SQL Backup Activity