Backups Directory

[msf004]

We are still running Zimbra Version 4.5.11_GA_1752.RHEL4

My /opt/zimbra/backup/sessions directory is enormous in size. Do I need to keep ALL *full* backups or just the latest?

For instance, I have the following directories within /opt/zimbra/backup/sessions:

Nov 29 05:52 full-20081129.070005.852
Nov 30 01:00 full-20081130.070024.341
Dec  1 01:00 full-20081201.070025.782
Dec  2 01:00 full-20081202.070026.591
Dec  3 01:00 full-20081203.070026.198
Dec  4 01:00 full-20081204.070029.349
Dec  5 01:00 full-20081205.070035.260
Dec  6 05:45 full-20081206.070005.518
Dec  7 01:00 full-20081207.070039.569
Dec  8 01:00 full-20081208.070022.068
Dec  9 01:00 full-20081209.070031.168
Dec 10 01:00 full-20081210.070029.842
Dec 11 01:00 full-20081211.070031.220
Dec 12 01:00 full-20081212.070042.406
Dec 13 06:07 full-20081213.070006.351
Dec 14 01:00 full-20081214.070058.262
Dec 15 01:00 full-20081215.070020.577
Dec 16 01:00 full-20081216.070047.174
Dec 17 01:00 full-20081217.070023.067
Dec 18 01:00 full-20081218.070029.964
Dec 19 01:00 full-20081219.070042.203
Dec 20 06:11 full-20081220.070007.617
Dec 21 01:00 full-20081221.070056.110
Dec 22 01:00 full-20081222.070034.452
Dec 23 01:00 full-20081223.070018.509
Dec 24 01:00 full-20081224.070050.008
Dec 25 01:00 full-20081225.070025.106
Dec 26 01:00 full-20081226.070024.664
Dec 27 06:42 full-20081227.070005.138
Dec 28 01:00 full-20081228.070019.923
Dec 29 01:00 full-20081229.070026.798
Nov 30 01:00 incr-20081130.070010.460
Dec  1 01:00 incr-20081201.070016.773
Dec  2 01:00 incr-20081202.070016.745
Dec  3 01:00 incr-20081203.070010.884
Dec  4 01:00 incr-20081204.070010.807
Dec  5 01:00 incr-20081205.070012.243
Dec  7 01:00 incr-20081207.070010.803
Dec  8 01:00 incr-20081208.070011.920
Dec  9 01:00 incr-20081209.070013.307
Dec 10 01:00 incr-20081210.070011.737
Dec 11 01:00 incr-20081211.070010.879
Dec 12 01:00 incr-20081212.070009.969
Dec 14 01:00 incr-20081214.070017.844
Dec 15 01:00 incr-20081215.070010.485
Dec 16 01:00 incr-20081216.070018.439
Dec 17 01:00 incr-20081217.070009.607
Dec 18 01:00 incr-20081218.070010.618
Dec 19 01:00 incr-20081219.070011.307
Dec 21 01:00 incr-20081221.070018.709
Dec 22 01:00 incr-20081222.070020.100
Dec 23 01:00 incr-20081223.070010.684
Dec 24 01:00 incr-20081224.070016.801
Dec 25 01:00 incr-20081225.070010.681
Dec 26 01:00 incr-20081226.070019.191
Dec 28 01:00 incr-20081228.070010.714
Dec 29 01:00 incr-20081229.070013.539

Within these directories contain nearly 600 GB in HDD space. Do I need to keep all of the directories or can I delete all of the "full" directories besides the latest "full" directory?

Thanks,
-Marc

[Dirk]

Yes, you can delete the older full backups. If you are cautious about deleting backups then move the backup folder to backups_old and make a new backup folder (check the permissions) and then run a new full backup. That way you have a fresh folder and you can archive off the old backups to a tape or something.

Oh, and I'd suggest upgrading the the current version, but you already knew I was going to say that, right?

[msf004]

There is a newer version?



Yes, I know we need to upgrade; however, I do like your subtle approach.

Thank you for the thorough response - it is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
-Marc

[swu]

I just moved my backup directory out of /opt/zimbra so when I need to rsync prior to an upgrade, it doesn't take forever. Can I simply move the contents of my now old backup directory to the new one, or is that going to throw some backup database or log file off?

Or, can I also just delete the old backup directory?

Thx in advance.