mariabackup.exe

What is mariabackup.exe?

mariabackup.exe is the Windows executable for MariaDB's backup utility. It orchestrates physical backups of the MariaDB data directory, including InnoDB data files, redo logs, and metadata. It supports streaming, compression, and incremental backups, enabling consistent backups without stopping the database server.

mariabackup.exe operates in a multi-threaded backup workflow, reading data files and logs, applying transaction consistency rules, and writing a consistent backup set. It can run while the server is up and uses a dedicated backup user with appropriate privileges.

Types of Backup Processes

• Backup Session: Orchestrates the overall backup operation, coordinating data and logs.
• Data Copy Process: Copies InnoDB data files and tablespace information.
• Log Transfer Process: Includes redo log and binlog snapshot handling for consistency.
• Streaming/Compression: Optional streaming to a destination; may apply compression or encryption.
• Incremental/Partial Backups: Backups that include only changed blocks since last backup when supported.
• Verification/Post-Process: Post-backup checks and metadata generation.

Is mariabackup.exe Safe?

Yes, mariabackup.exe is safe when it comes from an official MariaDB distribution and is located in a valid directory (e.g., C:\Program Files\MariaDB\MariaDB-10.x\bin).

Is mariabackup.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real mariabackup.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may mimic names, so verify the digital signature and path.

How to Tell if mariabackup.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\MariaDB\MariaDB-10.x\bin\mariabackup.exe or similar MariaDB bin directory. Any other path is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click mariabackup.exe in Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a signing authority such as "MariaDB Corporation Ab".
3. Resource Usage: Backup activity uses CPU and IO during the operation; normal usage varies with dataset size.
4. Behavior: Should only run during backup sessions or when invoked by a backup job; constant background activity when idle is suspicious.

Why Is mariabackup.exe Running on My PC?

mariabackup.exe runs when a MariaDB backup is active, either manually invoked or scheduled. It may also run as part of a backup window to create a snapshot while the server remains online.

Reasons it's running:

• Active Backup Session: A backup job is currently executing, streaming or copying data and logs.
• Scheduled Backups: Windows Task Scheduler or MariaDB backup scripts launching automated backups at set times.
• Incremental/Partial Backups: Incremental backups require ongoing background tasks to track changed blocks.
• Backup with Verification: Post-backup verification, hashing, or compression steps can keep mariabackup.exe busy.
• Post-Backup Hooks: Scripts or applications running after backup (e.g., copy to cloud, log rotation) may keep the process alive briefly.

Can I Disable or Remove mariabackup.exe?

Yes, you can disable or stop backup tasks that invoke mariabackup.exe. It's safe to disable automatic backups if you rely on another method, and you can uninstall the MariaDB suite to remove the tool, though this affects backups.

How to Stop mariabackup.exe

• End Backup Job: Open Windows Task Scheduler or the backup script and stop the job
• Terminate Process: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate mariabackup.exe, right-click End Task
• Disable Startup: In Task Scheduler or startup items, disable the backup job that calls mariabackup.exe
• Prevent Background Runs: Modify backup scripts to remove automatic calls; ensure backups are only run when needed
• Stop Backup Services: If a Windows service manages backups, stop or disable that service

How to Uninstall mariabackup (via MariaDB package)

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → MariaDB server → Uninstall
• ✔ Alternatively, use the MariaDB installer to remove the server package, which includes mariabackup
• ✔ Reconsider keeping backup tools if you switch to another backup strategy

Common Problems: Backup Failures or Slow Backups

If mariabackup.exe is failing or consuming excessive resources during backups:

Common Causes & Solutions

• Insufficient permissions on backup destination: Grant write access to the backup directory and ensure user has rights to the MariaDB data dir.
• Insufficient privileges on MariaDB data directory: Run backup as a user with read access to data files; ensure the backup user has LOCK TABLES and RELOAD privileges.
• IO bottlenecks on storage: Verify disk throughput; consider faster disks or SSDs and limit parallel backups.
• Unstable network for remote backups: Check network reliability; use local backups or stable network shares with proper permissions.
• Missing or misconfigured backup options: Review backup command-line options; ensure --backup and proper --target-dir usage.
• Outdated MariaDB/mariabackup version: Update to a compatible MariaDB version and corresponding mariabackup tool.

Related Processes