Understanding the credentials for using Backup Exec SmartLink

The most important criteria in understanding security credentials is to determine the security context under which SmartLink operates.

SmartLink runs as a pre-command of Backup Exec’s jobs. Backup Exec uses the resource-level credential of the Backup Exec media server to run the pre/post commands. If the computer level credential is not available, the default logon account of Backup Exec is used to run the pre/post commands. The user can change the computer level credential through the Backup Exec Administration Console.

If SmartLink cannot be authenticated by the servers containing the CMS or Job Control Delegate (JCD), the user must create the proper CPS credentials for SmartLink to access the remote CMS or JCD servers.

At a minimum, backup rights are required, which may be created in one of the following ways:

  • Logon as the user that SmartLink will run under.

  • Use the SmartLink command line to create the proper CPS credential. Type the following: 

      srbeslnkhost.exe /createcredential /server "server-name" /  domain "domain-name" /user "user-name" /password "password"

Understanding the credentials for using Backup Exec SmartLink