ISSUE
SharePoint 2007/2010/2013/2016 backup failed with error 'Object reference not set to an instance of an object'.
SharePoint backup is failing with summary output as follows:
Application: SharePoint Platform: Windows Operation: SharePoint Full Reference Log: /usr/bp/logs.dir/rae-145.log Command Failed: Executing SharePoint Backup ----- Client Messages ----- Application: SharePoint 2013 Operation: SharePoint Full Reference Log: /usr/bp/logs.dir/rae-109.log Command Failed: Executing SharePoint Backup ----- Client Messages ----- Object reference not set to an instance of an object. ----- End Client Messages -----
RESOLUTION
Add SharePoint 2007/2010/2013 backup account to be a 'Member of Farm Administrators SharePoint group';
If previous step does not resolve an issue, trouble shoot SharePoint farm state using SharePoint health report and windows application events logs.
CAUSE
SharePoint backup account does not has the rights to backup SharePoint farm or
SharePoint farm is not accessible.
NOTES
For more detailed information on backup failures and performance issues see Unitrends KB 5062 - Backup Failures and Performance Issues