Proxmox Backup Server 4: First Boot Setup Guide

This guide provides manual steps to configure Proxmox Backup Server (PBS) 4 after installation

Overview

This guide provides manual steps to configure Proxmox Backup Server (PBS) 4.0.11 after installation. These steps are based on the community post-install helper script but written out manually for better understanding and documentation.

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Step 1: Verify PBS Version

First, verify you’re running PBS and check the Debian codename:

cat /etc/os-release | grep VERSION_CODENAME

Expected output for PBS 4.x: VERSION_CODENAME=trixie

Note: If it shows bookworm, you’re on PBS 3.x and need different instructions.

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Step 2: Check Existing Debian Sources

PBS 4.0.11 comes with properly configured Debian sources. Verify they exist:

cat /etc/apt/sources.list.d/debian.sources

If this file exists and includes main contrib non-free-firmware components, keep it as-is - it’s already properly configured.

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Step 3: Configure PBS Enterprise Repository (Disable)

The enterprise repository requires a paid subscription. Check if it exists and disable it:

cat /etc/apt/sources.list.d/pbs-enterprise.sources

Add the disable flag:

echo “Enabled: false” >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/pbs-enterprise.sources

Note: The Enabled: false line keeps this repository inactive. Only change to Enabled: true if you have a valid subscription.

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Step 4: Add PBS No-Subscription Repository

This is the free repository that provides stable updates without requiring a subscription:

cat <<EOF > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/proxmox.sources
Types: deb
URIs: http://download.proxmox.com/debian/pbs
Suites: trixie
Components: pbs-no-subscription
Signed-By: /usr/share/keyrings/proxmox-archive-keyring.gpg
EOF

This repository provides:

• Stable PBS updates

• Bug fixes and security patches

• New stable features

• No subscription required

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Step 5: Add PBS Test Repository (Disabled)

The test repository contains beta and testing packages. Add it but keep it disabled:

cat <<EOF > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/pbs-test.sources
Types: deb
URIs: http://download.proxmox.com/debian/pbs
Suites: trixie
Components: pbs-test
Signed-By: /usr/share/keyrings/proxmox-archive-keyring.gpg
Enabled: false
EOF

Warning: Only enable this repository if you want to test beta features. Change Enabled: false to Enabled: true to activate.

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Step 6: Update Package Lists

After configuring repositories, update the package lists:

apt update

Verify you see:

• ✅ Fetching from http://deb.debian.org/debian

• ✅ Fetching from http://download.proxmox.com/debian/pbs trixie/pbs-no-subscription

• ❌ No errors about missing subscriptions

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Step 7: Disable Subscription Nag (Optional)

If you want to remove the subscription reminder from the web interface:

Create the Auto-Patch Script

This creates a post-install hook that automatically patches the web UI:

cat > /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/no-nag-script <<’EOF’
DPkg::Post-Invoke { “if [ -s /usr/share/javascript/proxmox-widget-toolkit/proxmoxlib.js ] && ! grep -q -F ‘NoMoreNagging’ /usr/share/javascript/proxmox-widget-toolkit/proxmoxlib.js; then echo ‘Removing subscription nag from UI...’; sed -i ‘/data\.status/{s/\!//;s/active/NoMoreNagging/}’ /usr/share/javascript/proxmox-widget-toolkit/proxmoxlib.js; fi”; };
EOF

Apply to Current Installation

Reinstall the widget toolkit to apply the change immediately:

apt --reinstall install proxmox-widget-toolkit

Ethical Note: Consider supporting Proxmox development by purchasing a subscription if you use PBS in production or commercial environments.

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Step 8: Update the System

Perform a full system upgrade to ensure all packages are current:

apt -y dist-upgrade

This ensures:

• All packages are updated to the latest stable versions

• Security patches are applied

• Any held-back packages are upgraded

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Step 9: Clear Browser Cache

After completing these steps, you must clear your browser cache to avoid UI display issues:

• Chrome/Edge/Firefox: Press Ctrl+Shift+R (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Shift+R (Mac)

• Alternative: Clear browser cache through browser settings

• Best Practice: Use incognito/private browsing to test changes

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Step 10: Reboot the System

Finally, reboot your PBS server to ensure all changes take effect properly:

reboot

The system will restart and apply all configuration changes.

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Additional Resources

• Official PBS Documentation

• Proxmox Community Forum

• PBS Admin Guide

• Backup Strategies Best Practices

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Last Updated: November 2025
PBS Version: 4.0.11
Debian Base: Trixie