Create Bacula Windows client

Create Bacula Windows client#

The Bacula Client is the system from which backups are taken and where data is restored during recovery operations.

This section of the documentation explains how to set up a new Bacula Client on a Windows host and integrate it with both Bacula and Bacularis.

What is required?#

  • Any version of the Bacularis web interface

  • A remote Windows host

How to do it?#

Install Bacula Client#

Preparation#

To install the Bacula Client on a Windows system, download the installer from the official Bacula Binary Download Center:

https://www.bacula.org/binary-download-center/

Save the installer on the Windows host, then run it to start the installation wizard.

Step 1 - Welcome#

This screen displays a welcome message and general installation guidance.

Step 2 - License agreement#

Review and accept the license agreement to proceed.

Step 3 - Installation type#

Choose one of the following installation types:

  • Automatic – installs and configures most settings automatically.

  • Custom – allows manual selection of components and configuration options.

For the purpose of this guide, select Custom to install only the Bacula Client (without additional components) and to configure it manually.

Step 4 - Choose components#

In the list of components, select: Client => File Service.

Step 5 - Choose install location#

No changes are required on this step. Proceed with the default location.

Step 6 - Configuration#

In the Name field you may change the default client name to any identifier you prefer.

In the Password field you have a randomly generated password will appear. This password is required for the Bacula Director to connect to the client. Save this password temporarily or enter a secure custom password of your choice. You will need it later during the client registration process.

Step 7 - Configuration (continued)#

Enter the Bacula Director name.

If you are unsure of the name, you can find it via the Bacularis web interface. To do it, go to the web interface here:

[Main menu] => [Page:Director] => [Tab: Configure director] => [Field: Name]

Step 8 - Installing#

The installation progress bar will appear. Wait for the process to complete.

Step 9 - End#

Click Finish to close the installation wizard.

Add new Client to Director#

After installing the Bacula Client, it must be registered with the Bacula Director. This involves adding the client’s configuration to the Director. Without this step, the client cannot be used for backups.

To register the client, open the Bacularis web interface and navigate to:

[Main menu] => [Page:Clients] => [Button: Add client]

Fill out at least the following fields in the form:

  • Name - Identifier for the client in the Director configuration. This name is also used in Bconsole commands.

  • Address - IP address or hostname of the Windows client.

  • Password - The password entered or generated during installation. This is the password that you remembered in Step 6 - Configuration.

  • Catalog - The name of the Bacula catalog that will be used for this client.

Click Create to complete the client registration.

The Bacula Windows Client is now ready for use.

Important notes#

To verify the Director can connect to the client, check the client’s status in Bacularis. This is available in the following path:

[Main menu] => [Page:Clients] => [Table row with new Client] => [Button: Details] => [Button: Status client]

If the connection is successful, the client’s status will be displayed.

If there is a connection issue, check:

  • Windows Firewall settings

  • Any services or software that could block traffic between the Director and the Client (port TCP 9102)

Video guide#

You can watch a video tutorial showing how to install the Bacula Windows Client using Bacularis: