Step-by-step Veeam Endpoint Backup database reset procedure

gistfile1.txt

by Dima P. of Veeam Software (minor refinements and screenshots by Paul Braren)

    Warning: The side effect of this approach is that all existing settings are going to be erased (backup session logs and job configuration), so I recommend to use this method only if its recommended by support team.

    After you complete the procedure described below the backup chain should be started from scratch. The previously created restore points are valid and can be used for recovery, however they won’t be erased automatically by retention logic, thus you have to clean them up manually.

    Stop the Veeam Endpoint Backup Service
    Press Ctrl+R to bring up the Run dialogue, type services.msc and press enter, this brings up the Services application, now locate the Veeam Endpoint Backup service, right-click, choose Stop, but leave the Services application open, you'll need it again for Steps 3, 4 and 6.
    Veeam-Endpoint-Service-Stop_667

    Create the RecreateDatabase registry entry (careful!)
    Run regedit.exe and locate the
    Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Veeam\Veeam Endpoint Backup
    key, as also seen in the screenshot below:
    Registry-editor-667
    This is the RecreateDatabase registry entry that you need change from 0 to 1, or create if it's not there already.

    If RecreateDatabase is already there, just change the value to 1.
    If RecreateDatabase is not already there, create it.
    (this change takes effect immediately, but leave the registry editor open, you'll need for Step 5).
        Name = RecreateDatabase
        Type = DWORD (32 bit)
        Value = 1

    Start the Veeam Endpoint Backup Service
    Because the database instance is being created from scratch (because of the registry change), it will take some time for the service to finish starting, as indicated by the progress bar. Be patient and wait for it to completely start before proceeding.

    Stop the Veeam Endpoint Backup Service
    This generally happens quite quickly, especially this time, since a fresh database was just created.

    Verify the RecreateDatabase registry entry changed from 1 to 0
    Since you already had regedit running, you may need to use F5 to refresh it, to get the new 0 value to show, as pictured in the screenshot above in step 2.

    Start the Veeam Endpoint Backup Service
    This generally happens quite quickly, especially this time, since a fresh database was just created.
    Start Veeam Endpoint Backup UI
    Press the Windows key, type Endpoint, then press enter, VEB will appear as-new, waiting for you to configure your "first" backup.

That's it! You may now close the Registry Editor and the Services applications.

Need a little more deep dive action? Watch the full video, knowing that I try to always sneak a little extra education in.