The error "A communications failure has occurred between the Backup Exec job engine and the remote agent" is reported during a backup of a remote server.

Problem

The error "A communications failure has occurred between the Backup Exec job engine and the remote agent" is reported during a backup of a remote server.

Error Message

A communications failure has occurred between the Backup Exec job engine and the remote agent.

Final error code: a00084f9 HEX

Final error description: A communications failure has occurred between the Backup Exec job engine and the remote agent.

Final error category: Resource Errors

A server communication error has occurred. Please try again later.

— Axon Mon Sep 13 07:25:44 +0000 2021

The error occurs during backups of remote computers. The error is generated when Backup Exec(tm) is missing a System Logon Account (Figure1).

Figure 1

Cause

The Backup Exec System Logon Account (SLA) on the Backup Exec server is either missing, corrupt or its credentials has changed.

Solution

Check if the Backup Exec System Logon Account (SLA) on the Backup Exec server is either missing or its credentials has changed. If neither is the case, create a new account and assign it the SLA role. Verify that the backup job in question is using the updated or newly created SLA before its next use.

To check for a system logon account

In Backup Exec do one of the following: On version 2012 and later - Click the Backup Exec button | Configuration and Settings | Logon Accounts | Manage Logon Accounts.On version 2010 R3 and earlier - Network | Logon Accounts Do one of the following: If no account has as a description System Logon Account and none of the accounts listed can be made into this role then skip to section, 'To create the system logon account,' below.If an account does or can have the description System Logon Account proceed to step 3 Select the Backup Exec logon account you want to change, and then click Edit.

NOTE: If not logged on to Backup Exec server with the same user name as the Backup Exec logon account being edited, Backup Exec prompted to provide the account owner's password before the account can be edited. If this password is not available, select a different account or skip to section , 'To create the system logon account.'

Do the following: If the account does not have the description,'System Logon Account,' depending upon version, click, 'Set as Default,' OR ,'This is my default account.'Enter credential information: In the User name field enter the fully qualified username (e.g. DOMAIN\username)Click Change Password to enter the current password for this user in both the password and confirm fields.

NOTE: The password entered is encrypted for security.

Click OK.Do one of the following: On version 2012 and later: 1. On the Edit Logon Credentials dialog box, click OK. 2. On the Logon Account Management dialog box, click OK.On version 2010 R3 and earlier: 1. On the Account Management dialog box, click OK.

To create the system logon account

In Backup Exec do one of the following: Version 2012 and later - Click the Backup Exec button | Configuration and Settings | Logon Accounts | Manage Logon Accounts | and select System Account.Version 2010 R3 and earlier - Network | Logon Accounts | and select New Do the following: Enter the appropriate account credential information. For more information please review Edit Logon Credentials options: https://www.veritas.com/docs/HOWTO74104Be sure to select This is my default logon account account option.Then click OK Do one of the following: