7-Backup, using Microsoft® VSS technology, offers the facility to back up open and locked files. If you tick the check box for "Back up open files as well", and 7-Backup comes across a locked file, the file will be backed up using Microsoft® Volume Shadow Copy Service.
The Volume Shadow Copy Service is subject to the following restrictions:
| • | Available under Windows Vista, XP, 2003. |
| • | The open file must be located on the same computer as the backup software or else the backup will fail. |
Problems in backing up open files
Normally, backing up open files does not cause a problem but there are instances that can result in a backed up file being inconsistent even when backing up using Microsoft® VSS technology. If you are backing up open databases (for example: Outlook™, Exchange, Oracle®, SQL Server, Access) it is therefore recommended that you prepare a number of backup copies and retain them in parallel. This allows you to revert to an alternative backup should one backup be inconsistent.