About the snapshot state file

Whenever NetBackup creates a snapshot, it also creates a file that contains information about the snapshot. This file is called the snapshot state file. The state file stores information that is required for performing certain operations on the snapshot. (Examples of such operations are, data restore from snapshots, backup from snapshots, or snapshot deletion.

The NetBackup bpfis process creates a state file on the client. A copy of the state file is stored on the NetBackup primary server. In a cluster, if the client experiences problems and failover to another node occurs, the state file on the NetBackup primary server comes in handy to obtain information about the failed client. In case the state file does not exist on the NetBackup primary server, it becomes impossible for the active node to get snapshot information.