Creating new credentials for a backup source

Last published : Apr 02, 2026
Backup Exec lists the backup sources and their associated credentials for each server that you monitor on the Credentials pane. If Backup Exec does not have the correct credentials to access content, any attempts to back up that content fail.
If the credentials for a backup source change, you must enter the new credentials in Backup Exec and associate them with the backup source. You can create new credentials for a backup source at any time on the Credentials pane. You can also create new credentials for a backup source when you create or edit backup definitions.
To create new credentials for a backup source
  1. Do one of the following:
    To create new credentials for a backup source on the Credentials pane Complete the following steps\:
    - On the Backup and Restore tab, double-click the server for which you want to create new credentials.
    - In the left pane, click Credentials .
    To create new credentials for a backup source in a backup definition Complete the following steps\:
    - Create a new backup or edit an existing backup.
    - In the Selections box, click Test/Edit Credentials .
  2. In the Logon Accountfield next to the backup source, select**\< new logon account\>**.
  3. In the User name field, type the user name for the new logon account.
  4. In the Password field, type the password for the new logon account.
  5. In the Confirm password field, type the password again to confirm it.
  6. In the Account name field, type a unique name for the new logon account.
  7. In the Notes field, type any optional notes to explain how the Backup Exec logon account is used.
  8. Select This is a restricted logon account if you want the Backup Exec logon account to be used only by the owner of the logon account and those who know the password.
If this option is not selected, the Backup Exec logon account is created as a common account. Common accounts are the shared accounts that all users can access.
  1. Select This is my default account to make this account your default Backup Exec logon account, which is used to browse, make selections, or restore data on your local computers and remote computers
  2. Click OK.
More Information
Testing credentials for backup sources
Replacing the credentials for a backup source
Deleting retired or unused backup sources from the Credentials pane
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