VMware: Failed to initialize backup stream, Log context: Data Channel Connect: FAILURE (4046321)

Date: JUN 2009
Affected NV Version: NVBU 8.2.2
OS Version: all
Plugin version: 7.4.13

Description:
When trying to backup a VMware session using the File System Plugin and getting the error of:
“Severe Error <date> <time> 1204 Data Plugin <client name> Failed to initialize backup stream�, you may or may not also receive a “channel error�

When using telnet, you are able to connect on port 20031 then the connection drops. Able to browse the File System in the backup window.

Run the following command on the ESX server to allow the communications for NetVault.

/usr/sbin/esxcfg-firewall -allowIncoming
/usr/sbin/esxcfg-firewall -allowOutgoing

Note: This will disable the firewall on the ESX server. Consult VMware ESX documentation, If you wish to configure a port range instead of disabling the firewall.

You should now be able to run the backup without the errors.

See the VMware Plugin User Guide for more details, Before Starting the Installation