The number of times a database featuring Type I storage areas may backed up using the PROBKUP utility is limited for databases operating on OpenEdge Release 11.7.5 or earlier. This limit is tracked by the Backup Counter Increment (bk_incr) reported in the Master Block. Exceeding this limit will result in a Backup Counter overflow and a corrupted database backup file.

The Backup Counter Increment limit is 65,535. In applicable terms, this limit amounts to approximately 22 months for a database that is backed up every 15 minutes. For a database that is backed up every hour, this limit would be reached in approximately 7.5 years.

To reset the Backup Counter Increment, a full dump and load of the database must be performed.

The limit for the Backup Counter Increment is higher in Type II storage areas. To avoid a Backup Counter overflow, Progress recommends moving all user data from the Schema area and Type I areas into Type II areas.

With the current release of OpenEdge, the Backup Counter Increment has been increased, and users are unlikely to experience overflow. However, users performing a full online backup of databases featuring Type I storage areas may experience increased wait times. Moving data from Type I areas into Type II areas will eliminate any extended wait times. Performing more frequent incremental backups will also decrease these wait times.