Various embodiments of a system and method for performing a backup operation are disclosed. Backup operation information may be stored, where the backup operation information specifies a backup operation to be performed using at least a first device. Subsequent to storing the backup operation information, state information for the first device may be stored, where the state information indicates whether the first device is eligible for use in backup operations. Before the backup operation is performed, the state information for the first device may be accessed. If the state information for the first device indicates that the first device is eligible for use in backup operations then the backup operation may be performed using the first device (as well as possibly other devices). If the state information for the first device indicates that the first device is ineligible for use in backup operations then the backup operation may be prevented from using the first device.