4/27/2009 4:59:32 PM – Critical bpbrm(pid=7716) from client test.local: FTL – snapshot creation failed, status 156
4/27/2009 4:59:32 PM – end Flash Backup Windows , Create Snapshot; elapsed time: 00:00:08
4/27/2009 4:59:32 PM – end writing
Status 156

When you look at the bpfis logs you can see a log like this:

16:59:30.699 [5512.6280] <2> onlfi_vfms_logf:     [2009-04-27 16:59:28.840 'SOAP' 6504 trivia] Sending soap request to [TCP:test.local:443]: GetSummary

16:59:30.699 [5512.6280] <2> onlfi_vfms_logf:     [2009-04-27 16:59:29.043 'SOAP' 6504 trivia] Received soap response from [TCP:test.local:443]: GetSummary

16:59:30.699 [5512.6280] <2> onlfi_vfms_logf:     [2009-04-27 16:59:29.043 'SOAP' 6504 trivia] Sending soap request to [TCP:test.local:443]: GetSnapshot

16:59:30.699 [5512.6280] <2> onlfi_vfms_logf:     [2009-04-27 16:59:29.262 'SOAP' 6504 trivia] Received soap response from [TCP:test.local:443]: GetSnapshot

16:59:30.699 [5512.6280] <2> onlfi_vfms_logf:     [2009-04-27 16:59:29.262 'vcbMounter' 6504 info] Scanning snapshot _VCB-BACKUP_

16:59:30.699 [5512.6280] <2> onlfi_vfms_logf:     [2009-04-27 16:59:29.262 'vcbMounter' 6504 info] Found match: snapshot-1847

16:59:30.699 [5512.6280] <2> onlfi_vfms_logf:     [2009-04-27 16:59:29.262 'vcbMounter' 6504 error] Error: Backup snapshot already exists.

16:59:30.699 [5512.6280] <2> onlfi_vfms_logf:     [2009-04-27 16:59:29.262 'vcbMounter' 6504 error] An error occurred, cleaning up…

16:59:30.699 [5512.6280] <2> onlfi_vfms_logf:     Deleted directory c:\netbackup_vmware_mnt\test.local

The reason can be a remaining snapshot that vmware couldnt remove successfuly on a previous backup attempt.

Try to remove that snapshot from the server  and retry your backup.

Checklist
1. Consider the above picture as our environment.
2. Download and install Vmware Consolidated Backup Proxy.
3. Keep in mind that VCB will be our interface to virtual machines, they’re not directly backed up.
4. Have your SAN configuration set up, and Both NBU master server and Vmware server are at the same LUNs
5. If you’re using newest VCB versions VCB management port is 443, not 902
6. Have your NBU master server installed and configured correctly (Storage devices, Tape drives, robots etc)

Howto

1. Add new Virtual Machine Server:

Media and Device Management -> Credentials -> Virtual Machine Server -> Right Click -> New

2. Fill Vmware server credentials

Add Virtal Machine Server

3. Open NetBackup Management -> Host Properties -> Master Servers window and add a new Virtual Machine Proxy server on Virtual Machines tab. Keep in mind that on this example, VCB proxy and NBU master server are the same server.

Virtual Machine Proxy Servers

4. Under NetBackup Management -> Host Properties -> Client window, Open NBU master server Properties window and expand windows client tab and select client settings. Make sure Incrementals is set to Based on timestamp setting, and Use change journal in incrementals is unchecked.

Client Settings

5. Reboot NBU master server and after restart, make sure the settings are saved and correct.

6. Create a New Policy (Do not use wizard) and select FlashBackup-Windows as Policy Type.

7. Select Perform off-host Backup and Use Virtual Machine Proxy, select the proxy you entered previously.

New Policy

8. Create new schedules according to your needs.

New Schedule

9. Under Clients tab, click New and select your virtual machines from the Virtual Machines List to be backed up.

Clients

10. Click OK and close the window.

11. To test, right click the policy and select Manual Backup and see if anything goes wrong.