DS-User F1 Help for GUI (Context-Sensitive) : Retention Rule Wizard - Delete Options
 
Retention Rule Wizard - Delete Options
The Delete Options (for files that have been removed from the backup source) will always apply. They are the first rules that are applied when a Retention Rule is enforced on a backup set.
 
Delete Options
Delete options only apply to files that the DS-Client detects have been removed from the backup source.
If files are removed from source after [...]
Delete if a file was removed from the backup source, and this amount of time has passed since it was removed.
Keep generations [...]: If specified, this number of generations of the file will be kept online (the latest generations are kept).
If a placeholder/stub is detected on the source
[Windows DS-Client only]
This option can be used if you are using a third-party storage management (HSM) solution that migrates infrequently used files from the source, and leaves a small (size) placeholder/stub in its place.
If DS-Client detects a placeholder / stub is created on the source, the assumption is that the file is already protected by the third-party solution, and does not need to be stored online. Only the backup of the placeholder/stub will remain online.
Delete generations prior to the stub: The latest placeholder or stub will be kept on DS-System. All generations prior to it will be deleted.
Delete non-stub generations prior to the stub: Keeps only the generations that are placeholders or stubs. All other generations prior to the latest stub will be deleted.