Action Required: Update Your Microsoft Azure Recovery Services Agent (September 2019)

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This article highlights crucial updates, novel functionalities, enhancements, and resolutions incorporated into Azure Backup via the Microsoft Azure Recovery Services (MARS) agent, specifically version 2.0.9169.0. This agent is integral to both Microsoft Azure Backup and Microsoft Azure Site Recovery (ASR) operations, facilitating seamless data transfer to Azure. It is strongly recommended to promptly download and implement this updated version to leverage the immediate advantages of vital backup and recovery features, along with significant improvements.

New Features¶

This updated version of the Microsoft Azure Recovery Services Agent introduces key features designed to enhance user control and efficiency in data backup and recovery processes. These new functionalities are aimed at providing a more robust and flexible backup experience.

Expiry Time for Ad-Hoc Backups¶

This release empowers users with the capability to define the expiration period for ad-hoc backups, encompassing both file and system state backups. Previously, these backups defaulted to retention policy configurations. This enhancement grants users more granular control over the retention of specific recovery points. Such control is particularly beneficial for meeting audit and compliance requirements, where specific data retention durations are often mandated. By setting custom expiry times, organizations can better manage their backup data lifecycle and adhere to regulatory standards effectively.

Robocopy to Accelerate Item-Level Restores¶

To expedite the process of item-level restores, this update integrates the Windows native Robocopy tool. Customers can now utilize Robocopy to achieve significantly faster copy speeds when recovering individual files and folders. This enhancement is particularly effective when employing the Instant Restore method to recover data to the same machine. Robocopy is renowned for its robust file copying capabilities, including features like multithreading and efficient handling of large datasets, which translates to quicker recovery times and reduced downtime during data restoration.

Improvements¶

Beyond new features, this update brings a series of improvements aimed at bolstering the reliability, efficiency, and user experience of the Azure Backup service. These improvements focus on making the backup process more robust and user-friendly.

More Robust Incremental Backups with Better Tracking of Skipped and Failed Files¶

The MARS agent is now enhanced to deliver more resilient incremental backups. This is crucial for maintaining backup integrity, especially when encountering files that pose challenges during the backup process. Even when the agent faces files that are repeatedly not backed up or are skipped due to being unsupported file types, the system maintains its robustness. Importantly, users now gain the ability to track skipped files during a backup operation. This improved tracking provides greater transparency into the backup process, allowing administrators to identify and address any potential issues related to skipped files, ensuring a more complete and reliable backup set.

Enhanced Error-Reporting to Resolve Issues Effectively¶

This update significantly improves the error reporting mechanism within the MARS agent. Users can now directly interact with hyperlinks embedded within error messages. Instead of the previous cumbersome process of copying error messages to a browser, users can simply click on these hyperlinks to immediately navigate to relevant troubleshooting articles. This streamlined approach to error resolution drastically reduces the time and effort required to diagnose and fix backup issues. By providing direct access to contextual help resources, users can more effectively manage and maintain their backup operations, leading to quicker problem resolution and reduced operational disruptions.

Additional Fixes and Updates¶

This update also includes several crucial fixes and general improvements that contribute to a more stable and efficient backup experience:

• Resolution of Incorrect Initial Backup Marking: An issue that incorrectly marked backups as initial backups in specific scenarios has been resolved. This fix ensures accurate backup status reporting, which is vital for monitoring and managing backup cycles correctly.
• Backup and Recovery Success Improvements: Enhancements have been implemented to improve the success rates of both backup and recovery processes for files and folders. These improvements likely involve optimizations in data handling, error handling, and retry mechanisms, leading to more reliable backup and restore operations.
• Accessibility and Reliability Enhancements: This update incorporates fixes and improvements focused on both accessibility and overall reliability. Accessibility improvements ensure that the Azure Backup service is more usable for individuals with disabilities, while reliability enhancements contribute to a more stable and dependable backup solution for all users.

To benefit from these updates and fixes, it is essential to install the latest version of the Microsoft Azure Recovery Services Agent.

The following file is available for download from the Microsoft Download Center:

Download the Azure Recovery Services agent update package now

The version number for this update of Microsoft Azure Recovery Services Agent is 2.0.9169.0.

Virus-scan claim: Microsoft has rigorously scanned this file for viruses using the latest virus-detection software available at the time of posting. The file is securely stored on security-enhanced servers designed to prevent unauthorized modifications.

Updating the MARS Agent¶

For servers registered with one or more Recovery Services Vaults, updating can be performed directly from the Azure portal. This centralized update process simplifies agent management across multiple servers.

Updating Multiple Servers from the Azure Portal¶

To update multiple servers efficiently via the Azure portal, follow these detailed steps:

1. Download the Installer Package: Begin by downloading the installer package from the Microsoft Download Center using the provided link. Ensure you have the installer readily accessible.
2. Navigate to Recovery Services Vault: Access the Azure portal and navigate to the Recovery Services Vault where your servers are registered. This vault is the central management point for your backup configurations.
3. Access Backup Infrastructure Settings: Within the Recovery Services Vault, locate the Settings blade. In the Manage section, click on Backup Infrastructure. This section provides access to the components managing your backups.

4. Select Protected Servers: Under Management Servers, click Protected Servers, and then choose Azure Backup Agent as the Backup Management Type. This filters the server list to show only those managed by the Azure Backup Agent.

   

5. Connect to Server for Update: On the displayed blade, identify and select a server with an Agent version number earlier than 2.0.9169.0. Access the server’s detail blade and click Connect. This action downloads a Remote Desktop Connection file, which you can use to establish a connection to the selected server.

6. Install the Update: Use the Remote Desktop Connection to connect to the server. Copy the downloaded update installer to the server. Run the installer to update the MARS Agent on the server. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
7. Repeat for Other Servers: After updating the first server, repeat steps 5 and 6 for any other servers that have Agent versions prior to 2.0.9169.0. This ensures all your servers are running the latest agent version.

This streamlined process through the Azure portal simplifies the update deployment across your Azure infrastructure.

Restart Information¶

Restart Requirement: If you are operating Windows Server 2008 (SP2 and R2 SP1, any version), a computer restart is mandatory after applying this update. This restart is necessary to ensure the update is fully applied and the system functions correctly.

No Restart for Newer Versions: For users who have installed the MARS Agent on other, more recent versions of Windows Server, a computer restart is not required after applying this update. This reduces the downtime associated with the update process for these systems.

Prerequisites¶

Before applying this update, ensure the following prerequisites are met, particularly if you are using System Center Data Protection Manager (DPM).

System Center 2016 DPM: If you utilize System Center 2016 Data Protection Manager (SC DPM), Microsoft strongly recommends applying Update Rollup 1 for System Center 2016 Data Protection Manager or a later version. This ensures compatibility and optimal performance between the updated MARS Agent and your DPM environment.

System Center 2012 R2 DPM: For users of System Center 2012 R2 Data Protection Manager (SC DPM), it is essential to apply Update Rollup 12 for System Center 2012 R2 Data Protection Manager or a subsequent update. Maintaining your DPM environment with these update rollups is critical for seamless integration and to leverage the full benefits of the latest MARS Agent.

Ensuring these prerequisites are in place will help prevent potential compatibility issues and guarantee a smooth update process for your Azure Backup infrastructure.

By updating to the latest version of the Microsoft Azure Recovery Services Agent, you ensure your systems benefit from the newest features, improvements, and critical fixes, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of your Azure Backup and Site Recovery solutions. It is a proactive step towards maintaining a robust and up-to-date data protection strategy.

Have you updated your MARS Agent to the latest version? Share your experiences or any questions you may have in the comments below!