Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method for backing up files, which for example, includes, scanning at least one directory; creating a first list comprising all files at a time t1 in the scanned at least one directory; saving values of a plurality of attributes, corresponding at the time t1, with each file in the first group of files, to create a first snapshot; backing up the files in the first group of files; scanning the at least one directory after backing up the files in the first group of files; creating a second list comprising all files at a time t2 in the scanned at least one directory; saving values of the plurality of attributes, corresponding at the time t2, with each file in the second group of files, to create a second snapshot; and comparing the first snapshot with the second snapshot.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method for ensuring consistency of a group, which for example, includes receiving a first list that identifies objects in the group, and gathering for at least one attribute, the value of the attribute for each object in the first list. The first list, and the attribute values gathered in the gathering operation, are stored to create a first snapshot. This example also includes receiving a second list that identifies objects that are in the group after at least part of a task is performed, and the value after at least part of the task is performed of the at least one attribute for each object identified in the second list. The second list and the received attribute values are stored to create a second snapshot, which is compared with the first snapshot.