Performing a backup of a stub object located on a file system managed by a hierarchical storage manager configured to migrate data objects from the file system to a migration storage pool. The stub object includes information for recalling a migrated data object and is configured to determine whether a backup copy of the migrated data object is stored in a backup storage pool if the backup is performed in an incremental backup operation. The backup further includes directing the hierarchical storage manager to recall the migrated data object to the file system if the backup copy of the migrated data object is not stored in the backup storage pool or if the backup is performed in a selective backup operation. The backup additionally includes storing a backup copy of the migrated data object in the backup storage pool if the migrated data object is recalled.