Configuring Backup Exec to discover data to back up

Last published : Apr 02, 2026
Backup Exec's Discover Data to Back Up option detects new backup content within a Windows or Active Directory domain. This option lets you configure a job that searches for new server volumes, databases, or application data.
By default, the data discovery operation runs at noon every day. It also runs each time the Backup Exec services are restarted. Backup Exec cancels the operation if it is still running after four hours. You can disable the operation or change the default settings in the global Backup Exec settings.
The Discover Data to Back Up option performs three main tasks:
  • Discovers any top-level computers or computer contents
When the data discovery operation discovers top-level computers or computer contents, it adds them to the Credentials pane on the Backup and Restore tab. The operation updates any information about the computers or computer contents and their backup status. You can view information about backup sources on the Credentials pane.
  • Discovers any servers that do not have an Agent for Windows installed on them
If the operation discovers any servers that do not have an Agent for Windows installed on them, Backup Exec sends you an alert. You can add the servers to the list of servers by using the Add a Server Wizard. After you add the servers to the list of servers, you can back them up and monitor them.
See Adding discovered servers to the list of servers in Backup Exec.
  • Discovers and validates instances of the Agent for Windows
The data discovery operation searches for any instances of the Agent for Windows on your network. When it finds an Agent for Windows, the operation checks the version to make sure that it is up to date. If an Agent for Windows is not up to date with the most recent version, Backup Exec sends you an alert.
The data discovery operation only discovers the servers that meet the following criteria:
  • Belongs to the same domain as the Backup Exec server
  • Has the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) service enabled and running
  • Allows WMI access for the same user that the Backup Exec Management Service runs under
Members of the server's "Administrators" group have this level of access.
  • Has firewalls that are configured to allow WMI network traffic
To configure Backup Exec to discover data to back up
  1. Click the Backup Exec button, select Configuration and Settings, and then clickBackup Exec Settings.
  2. In the left pane, select Discover Data to Back Up.
  3. Configure any of the following options:
    Discover servers that have data that has not been backed up Select this option to allow Backup Exec to discover any data that needs to be backed up.
    When this option is selected, Backup Exec automatically checks your network for any data that has not been backed up.
    Frequency Lets you configure the frequency with which Backup Exec searches for any data that needs to be backed up.
    You can select to let Backup Exec search for any data that needs to be backed up daily, weekly, or monthly.
    Interval Lets you configure the interval at which Backup Exec searches for any data that needs to be backed up.
    You can select different intervals based on the frequency you selected.
    Cancel data discovery if not completed within Lets you select the number of hours after which the data discovery process is canceled if it is not finished.
    Canceling the data discovery process can help prevent it from affecting your system resources.
  4. Click OK.
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