When managing data backups, especially in a professional setting, ensuring reliability and efficiency is paramount. JetBackup, a leading backup solution, leverages Rsync to streamline and enhance its data synchronization processes. However, like any powerful tool, it is not immune to issues. Encountering Rsync errors in JetBackup can be frustrating and disruptive. This blog post aims to demystify these errors, providing clear troubleshooting steps to help you resolve common issues quickly and effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned IT professional or just getting started with JetBackup, this guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to maintain smooth and error-free backup operations. One such error is:
[ERROR] rsync: [Receiver] fork failed in do_recv: Resource temporarily unavailable (35)
rsync error: error in IPC code (code 14) at main.c(1005) [Receiver=3.2.2]
Failed transferring account "cpanelusername" backup to destination "backup server name". Error: rsync: [Receiver] fork failed in do_recv: Resource temporarily unavailable (35)
rsync error: error in IPC code (code 14) at main.c(1005) [Receiver=3.2.2]
In this article
Understanding the Error
The error message indicates that rsync
, the underlying tool JetBackup uses for file transfer, failed to fork a process on the receiver side. Specifically, the error “Resource temporarily unavailable” suggests that the system couldn’t create a new process at that moment due to resource limitations.
The error code 14
pertains to issues in the IPC (Inter-Process Communication) code, indicating that the receiver end (the server receiving the backup) couldn’t handle the incoming request.
Common Causes
This issue typically arises in environments where multiple servers attempt to back up data simultaneously to a single destination. The problem occurs because the receiving server runs out of resources to handle multiple rsync
processes concurrently.
Solution
To resolve this issue, adjust the backup schedules to ensure that multiple backup jobs do not overlap. Here’s a step-by-step guide to implementing this solution:
- Evaluate Current Backup Schedules: Review the schedules of all servers performing backups. Identify any overlap where multiple backups run concurrently.
- Stagger Backup Times: Modify the schedules so that each server performs its backup at a different time. For example:
- Server 1: Backup at 01:00 AM
- Server 2: Backup at 02:00 AM
- Server 3: Backup at 03:00 AM
- Monitor Resource Usage: After adjusting the schedules, monitor the resource usage on the receiving server to ensure that it can handle the incoming backup requests without hitting resource limits.
- Test Backup Jobs: Run backup jobs at their new scheduled times to verify that they are completed successfully without encountering the
rsync
fork error.

Additional Tips
- Increase Server Resources: If staggering backup schedules isn’t feasible due to narrow maintenance windows, consider upgrading the hardware resources (CPU, memory) of the receiving server.
- Optimize Rsync Configuration: Fine-tune
rsync
settings for optimal performance, such as limiting the number of simultaneous connections. - Check System Limits: Ensure the system limits (e.g., max number of processes) on the receiving server are configured to handle the anticipated load.
FAQs about Rsync Errors in Jetbackup
1. What are the most common Rsync errors in JetBackup?
Common Rsync errors in JetBackup include issues such as “Connection Timeout,” “Permission Denied,” “No Space Left on Device,” “Broken Pipe,” and “File Has Vanished.” Understanding these errors and their typical causes can help in diagnosing and resolving them swiftly.
2. How can I fix the “Permission Denied” error in Rsync on JetBackup?
The “Permission Denied” error usually arises due to inadequate permissions on the files or directories being backed up. Ensure that the user running the Rsync command has the necessary read and write permissions. Adjusting file ownership and permissions or using the sudo
command can often resolve this issue.
3. What should I do if I encounter a “Connection Timeout” error?
A “Connection Timeout” error typically indicates network-related problems. Check your network connection and firewall settings. Ensuring that the target server is reachable and not experiencing downtime can also resolve this error. Additionally, adjusting the timeout settings in your Rsync command may help.
4. How do I resolve the “No Space Left on Device” error?
The “No Space Left on Device” error means the destination storage does not have enough free space to accommodate the backup. To resolve this, free up space on the destination device by deleting unnecessary files or expanding the storage capacity. Regularly monitoring storage usage can help prevent this error.
5. Why does the “File Has Vanished” error occur, and how can I address it?
The “File Has Vanished” error occurs when a file that Rsync is attempting to synchronize disappears during the process. This can happen if files are being actively modified or deleted. To address this, ensure that the files are stable during the backup process. You can also use the --ignore-missing-args
option to skip missing files and continue the backup.
Conclusion
Encountering an rsync
fork error in JetBackup due to resource constraints can be effectively managed by adjusting the backup schedules. By staggering the backup times, you can prevent multiple servers from overloading the destination server simultaneously. This proactive approach helps maintain a smooth and reliable backup process, ensuring your data is securely backed up without interruption.