How do I run NT Backup from the command line?

John Savill

January 8, 2000

1 Min Read
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A. To run NT Backup from the command line, simply use the following syntax.

ntbackup   /a /b /d "text" /e /hc: /l "" /r /missingtape /t  /tape:n /v

The table below explains each parameter.

The operation to perform. If you want to eject a tape, add the eject command, and include the /tape parameter.

The list of drives and directories to back up. You can’t use filenames or the wildcard character. To back up multiple drives, put a space between the drives (e.g., ntbackup backup c: d:).

/a

Appends backup sets to the end of the tape. If you omit this parameter, the tape will erase.

/b

Backs up the local registry.

/d "text"

A description of the tape.

/e

Logs only exceptions.

/hc:

If you use /hc:on, hardware compression is used. If you use /hc:off, no hardware compression is used.

/l ""

Location and name for the log file.

/r

Restricts access (ignored if you use the /a parameter).

/missingtape

Specifies that a tape is missing from the backup set when the set spans several tapes. Each tape becomes one unit rather than part of the set.

/t

The type of backup (i.e., normal, incremental, differential, copy, or daily).

/tape:n

Specifies which tape drive to use (from 0 to 9). If you omit this parameter, NT Backup uses tape drive 0.

/v

Performs verification.

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