If this document does not correspond to your current software version, you can go to Download Center to find other available document versions.

QNAP

QuTS hero 5.0.x

Download (PDF)

Configuring a Snapshot Retention Policy

The snapshot retention policy determines how long QuTS hero keeps each snapshot of a shared folder or LUN before deleting it. Each shared folder and LUN has its own individual snapshot retention policy.

Important:

After you create or modify a snapshot retention policy, QuTS hero applies the new policy to existing snapshots. If the new policy is more restrictive than the previous policy, for example changing from Keep for: 5 days to Keep for: 2 days, then QuTS hero deletes existing snapshots to conform with the new policy.

  1. Go to Storage & Snapshots > Storage > Storage/Snapshots.
  2. Select a shared folder or LUN.
  3. Click Snapshot and then select Snapshot Manager.

    The Snapshot Manager window opens.

  4. Click Schedule Snapshot.

    The Snapshot Settings window opens.

  5. Click Snapshot Retention.
  6. Select a snapshot retention policy.

    Snapshot Retention Policy

    UI Label

    Description

    Time-based

    Maximum amount of time to keep

    Keep each snapshot for the specified length of time.

    Fixed number

    Maximum number of snapshots to keep

    Keep a fixed maximum number of snapshots on the NAS. After the maximum number is reached, QuTS hero deletes the oldest snapshot when taking a new snapshot.

    Smart versioning

    Smart versioning

    Take periodic snapshots and keep the specified maximum number of snapshots for the specified frequency. Once the specified number is reached, each new snapshot replaces the oldest snapshot of the specified frequency.

    Examples:

    • Hourly: 24 - The system takes a snapshot at the end of every hour, and keeps a maximum of 24 hourly snapshots. After the system has taken 24 hourly snapshots, the next hourly snapshot replaces the oldest hourly snapshot.

    • Daily: 7 - The system takes a snapshot at the end of every day, and keeps a maximum of 7 daily snapshots. After the system has taken 7 daily snapshots, the next daily snapshot replaces the oldest daily snapshot.

    • Weekly: 4 - The system takes a snapshot at the end of every week, and keeps a maximum of 4 weekly snapshots. After the system has taken 4 weekly snapshots, the next weekly snapshot replaces the oldest weekly snapshot.

    • Monthly: 12 - The system takes a snapshot at the end of every month, and keeps a maximum of 12 monthly snapshots. After the system has taken 12 monthly snapshots, the next monthly snapshot replaces the oldest monthly snapshot.

    Important:

    The maximum number of snapshots for all frequencies combined is 256.

  7. Click OK.