Abstract: A system and method for including export information in the file system extended attribute data area is provided. File export information is determined by a system administrator or automated process. The determined export information is stored in an extended attribute data area corresponding with the file. When a computer system issues mount commands for the file systems to be mounted, the file system provides export information included in the extended attributes to the kernel whereupon the kernel exports the file system. Maintenance of file export information is thereby reduced. Backup, replications, and restorations of file systems is simplified by maintaining the export information along with the files being backed, replicated, or restored. For example, when the system administrator backs up a file, the export information in the extended attributes is backed-up as well. When the file system is retrieved, the export information is also retrieved within the extended attributes.