Overview:
Large files named "_vxfiVspCacheFile_x.tmp" or "_vxfiVspCacheFile_x.vsp" are appearing in the root directory of clients and cannot be deleted.

Troubleshooting:
These files are the cache files used by Veritas Volume Snapshot Provider (VSP) and are created as a normal part of a Windows client backup when VSP is enabled.  At the end of the backup job, VSP will attempt to delete this cache file.

The most likely cause for VSP to fail in deleting these files is that another process on the client machine is accessing this cache file.  Anti-virus software has been known to access VSP cache files during the course of the backup.  If there is an open handle on the VSP cache file when the backup is completed, VSP will not be able to delete the cache file.

Log Files:  N/A

Resolution:
Removing the VSP cache files

Normally, manual deletion of these files is not possible until the machine in question is rebooted; however, a program called "process explorer" may be used to possibly free the handle on the VSP cache file to allow deletion and prevent the need for a reboot.  For more information on using process explorer to help remove these cache files, see the VSP TechNote in the Related Documents section below.

As a workaround to prevent this from happening in the future, configure any anti-virus software on the affected Windows clients to exclude the following files:

Please consult the anti-virus software vendor's documentation and/or support for information on how to add files to the exclude list.

Alternatively, the bpstart_notify script on the client machine can be used to stop the anti-virus services on the client at the beginning of the backup job.  Then, the bpend_notify script can be used to restart the anti-virus services on the client at the end of the backup job.  For more information on these scripts, see Volume II of the System Administrator's Guide, referenced below.

Note:  Symantec recommends that customers experiencing the issues mentioned in this document, upgrade to the latest versions of each of the products used to ensure the highest levels of compatibility between them. Please contact your Sales Representative or Reseller to obtain upgrade information for your products. Additionally, you may also contact Symantec Sales directly at:    http://www.symantec.com/purchase/ and http://www.veritas.com/buy/BuyHome.jhtml