Orphaned MABS

Eric Samuelson 0

Hi, we have several old backups in Azure that were created from an on-prem Microsoft Azure Backup Server that no longer exists.
If I try to delete the old backups, it says that the backup job needs to be stopped but since I don't have access to the MABS, I can't stop the jobs.

Any way around this?

Thanks

1 answer

Pavan Minukuri 1,025 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor

2025-01-08T23:11:01.0333333+00:00
Hi @Eric Samuelson
Welcome to Microsoft Q&A, Thanks for asking questions here!
To delete old backups in Azure from an on-premises Microsoft Azure Backup Server (MABS) that no longer exists, please try with these steps:

Azure Backup keeps deleted data for 14 days. If you've deleted a backup item, it may still be pending removal. You can wait for this period or contact support to speed up the process.

If you have access to Azure PowerShell, run this command to stop the backup job and delete recovery points:

Disable-AzRecoveryServicesBackupProtection -Item $myBkpItem -RemoveRecoveryPoints -VaultId $myVaultID -Force

This will mark the backup item for deletion and remove its recovery points.

If possible, set up a new MABS with the same name as the original server. This will allow you to manage and stop the backup jobs directly.

Ensure you're managing backups through the correct Recovery Services vault in Azure. You can check for options to stop backups or delete backup data.

Reference link: https://zcusa.951200.xyz/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-manage-vms
https://zcusa.951200.xyz/en-us/azure/backup/soft-delete-virtual-machines,https://zcusa.951200.xyz/en-au/azure/backup/backup-azure-microsoft-azure-backup,https://zcusa.951200.xyz/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-arm-restore-vms?WT.mc_id=modinfra-16005-abartolo

Please let me know if anything required!
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Eric Samuelson 0 Reputation points

2025-01-09T17:16:25.8633333+00:00

I am struggling to get the PowerShell syntax correct so I tried to setup a new MABS with the same name but it errors out when I try to register it with a conflict.

ErrorMessage = {"error":{"code":"IdContainerReRegisterNotAllowedError","message":"Could not register this server as this server is already registered with the vault under a different Backup Management Type. Contact Microsoft customer support if this issue persists.",

Pavan Minukuri 1,025 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor

2025-01-09T22:52:48.25+00:00

Hi Eric Samuelson
Thanks for reply back!
To fix the error when registering your Microsoft Azure Backup Server (MABS), follow these steps.
The error means the server is already registered with a Recovery Services vault under a different Backup Management Type, usually because it was not unregistered properly before trying to register it again.
1.Open the Azure portal.
2.Go to Recovery Services > Your Vault > Registered Items.
3.Look for your server in the list.
4.If your server is listed, select it and look for an option to allow re-registration. This option may be labeled as "Allow Re-registration."
5.If you cannot find your server uninstall the Azure Backup Agent from the server.
5.Download the latest version of the Azure Backup Agent from the Azure portal and install the agent in server.
6.Check the network connectivity between your MABS and Azure services.
7.Server is configured to use TLS 1.2, as older versions may cause registration issues.
Please let me know if anything required!

Eric Samuelson 0 Reputation points

2025-01-10T19:14:50.5533333+00:00

@Pavan Minukuri thanks for the help. Ends up I was using the wrong agent.
I have the Azure Backup Server registered again but it doesn't list any of the backup's that are currently stored in Azure so not sure how to stop protection still.

Eric Samuelson 0 Reputation points

2025-01-13T20:30:46.7033333+00:00

So the disk usage is now 0 for the backup items that were copied to Azure so at least the storage is free.
It would still be nice to be able to remove the items completely to clean things up.

Pavan Minukuri 1,025 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor

2025-01-14T06:36:42.29+00:00

1.Go to the Azure portal, select your Recovery Services Vault.
2. Click on Backup Items, choose the backup item to delete.
3.Select Stop Backup and choose Delete Backup Data to remove everything immediately.
4.Azure Backup has a soft delete feature that retains deleted backups for 14 days to protect against accidental deletions and allows recovery if needed.
5.To delete backups immediately, you must disable soft delete in the vault settings, but be cautious as this action cannot be undone.
6.After disabling soft delete, you can permanently delete any items that were soft-deleted
7.Go to Backup Items, find the soft-deleted items.
8.Select them, use the Undelete option, then select Delete Backup Data to confirm permanent deletion.
9.Once all backup items are deleted, you can delete the Recovery Services Vault if no other resources are tied to it.
Note: Disabling soft delete and permanently deleting backups can cause irreversible data loss, so ensure there are no dependencies linked to the backups before deleting the vault.

Please let us if you required anything!

Eric Samuelson 0 Reputation points

2025-01-14T15:15:27.6033333+00:00

I don't see Delete Backup as an option. Maybe it is not an option when it is backed up with Azure Backup Server?

Pavan Minukuri 1,025 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor

2025-01-14T16:14:32.54+00:00

In Azure Backup Server, deleting backup data may be complex due to soft delete and specific management options; here’s an overview of how to manage and delete backups.
Azure Backup uses a soft delete feature that retains deleted backup data for 14 days for recovery, and the backup will appear with a "soft-delete" icon in the Recovery Services vault during this period.
To stop backup protection,
1.Go to your Recovery Services vault in the Azure portal.
2.Select Backup items, find the item, and choose Stop backup.
3.After stopping the backup, select Delete backup data.
4. If the option is not visible, disable soft delete first. To delete, enter the backup item's name and choose a deletion reason.
5.Soft deleted items are permanently deleted after 14 days unless restored.

Please let me know if you required anything!
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Orphaned MABS

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