We are using Open File Manager (OFM) with a backup agent or piece of software called COSbackup. The log file for a lot of our Domino file backups shows "couldn't access file. . .(followed by file name)." The majority are nsf files. OFM will not allow backup if it can't establish that the write inactivity period (WIP) for any file is less than 3 to 5 seconds. But I don't think that the error I am getting is because of files being opened for write; there are just too many in the log file, and, in addition, backups are done during early morning, non-peak hours. Can you explain why I'm getting that error message?
Lotus Notes files are open almost 24 hours a day. The server might be performing housekeeping on them, or else people might have their client open, checking mail every 15 minutes, etc. To successfully back up Notes databases, you either need to shut Domino down nightly, or buy backup software that has a specific agent for Lotus Notes. Such agents are available from Veritas, Legato, Tivoli and other major vendors.
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This was first published in July 2005