Data Aging Failing with Error – “Failed to run Data Aging job due to change in system time”

Network Time Protocol (NTP) is a specification used by computers to ensure the accuracy of their internal clocks. However, NTP can be exploited by hackers to carry out man-in-the-middle attacks that manipulate the clocks and set them to inaccurate times, sometimes even in the past by several months or years. This article addresses the issue where the Commvault data aging process encounters a failure due to a change in system time.

Symptoms

When there is a detected change in the system time on the CommServe server, the Commvault system automatically halts ongoing data aging jobs. Users may encounter the following symptoms:

• Data aging jobs fail to run with an error message indicating a change in system time.
• Users receive email alerts or Process Manager notifications regarding the detected time change.
• System behavior may vary based on whether the CommServe server was powered off for an extended period.

Causes

Commvault continuously monitors the system time and identifies any sudden alterations or resets. This is a security measure to prevent potential data corruption or inconsistency. If a change in the system time is detected, the data aging process is temporarily suspended, and the user is informed via email or a Process Manager alert. This is to ensure that the change in time is legitimate and not a result of malicious activity.

Resolution

To resolve the issue of data aging failing due to a change in system time, follow these steps:

1. Check System Time: Verify the system time on the CommServe server to ensure its accuracy.
2. Take a Disaster Recovery (DR) Backup: Before proceeding with any actions, take a comprehensive backup of the CommServe server using the Disaster Recovery feature.
3. Suspend Running Jobs: Suspend all ongoing jobs to prevent any further data processing while resolving the time change issue.
4. Disable Scheduler: Temporarily disable the scheduler to prevent any new jobs from starting during the resolution process.
5. Confirm Time Change: If you receive an email notification or a Process Manager alert regarding the detected time change, follow the instructions provided. These instructions will guide you through the process of confirming the legitimacy of the time change.
6. Restart Services: After confirming the system time change, restart the Commvault services using the Process Manager.

Supporting Documentation Links: For more detailed instructions and insights, refer to the following documentation links:

1. Confirming CommServe Server Time Change
2. Changes in Commvault Platform Release 2022e

Following these steps and referring to the provided documentation should help you successfully address the issue of data aging failure caused by a change in system time. If you encounter any difficulties or require further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to Commvault support for personalized guidance.