Re: AD Backups

Tech Tip: Click here to run a free scan for Windows Errors and optimize PC performance

In news:6B5895E2-0720-421D-8B8A-5A56783B0DC3@xxxxxxxxxxxxx,
melu <melu@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> typed:
Hi,

I am just reading

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727048.aspx


and came across the section "contents"

... it says that a good backup includes the system state and contents
of the system disk.

What does system disk mean? is it the C drive?

and why do I need it? since we are already backing up system state.

wouldnt it be possible reinstall window 2003 and then just restore
system state?

Thanks

When you perform a system state backup, it backs up the base and necessary
files for the system to run, however there are numerous benign additional
files (exe, DLLs, etc) that are not backed up with the system state that are
needed to do a complete restore. One example is the Internet Explorer folder
in Program Files. Although not so to speak a 'necessary' system file, but if
you don't have a copy during a full restore or date stamps mismatch, it will
cause problems. That is just one small example. Another may be the driver
cache folder. There are numerous other files out there - too many to list.
Good best practice is to select all of C: drive, and the system state on a
daily basis.

Of course, this is just a recommended suggestion and best practice. Yes, you
can reinstall Windows 2003 and the system state and get the machine back to
where it was, but look at the time involved between installation, service
pack level, hotfixes and updates, etc etc, to reinstall from scratch whereas
a tape restore with a full backup and system state is a fraction of the
time.

--
Regards,
Ace

This posting is provided "AS-IS" with no warranties or guarantees and
confers no rights.

Ace Fekay, MCSE 2003 & 2000, MCSA 2003 & 2000, MCSE+I, MCT,
MVP Microsoft MVP - Directory Services
Microsoft Certified Trainer

For urgent issues, you may want to contact Microsoft PSS directly. Please
check http://support.microsoft.com for regional support phone numbers.

Infinite Diversities in Infinite Combinations




.

Relevant Pages

  • RE: Error backing up the System State
    ... > Microsoft CSS Online Newsgroup Support ... > This newsgroup only focuses on SBS technical issues. ... Error backing up the System State ... I started this service and tried another System State backup ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.server.sbs)
  • RE: Error backing up the System State
    ... Microsoft CSS Online Newsgroup Support ... Error backing up the System State ... The tape backup device is a Hewlett Packard Storage Works DAT 72 USB ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.server.sbs)
  • Re: How to use Windows Backup?!!
    ... AD is only backed up as part of the system state, and as such, the system must be in the *same* state. ... With that said, if you are backing up system state *and* the "program files" directory and doing a bulk restore, you will usually be fine. ... Yes I restored without incident from a good SBS backup. ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.server.sbs)
  • Re: Domain Controller cannot boot up after restoring the system st
    ... Moving hardware, or changing hardware, or restoring to new hardware ... Just apply it once, and as long as you backup the whole C: drive, and a System State backup, any backup that you try to restore C: drive and the System State, you can restore it to something different and it should boot. ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.server.general)
  • Re: System hangs during System State Backup
    ... Originally i was but now for testing i'm only doing system state ... when performing system state backup. ... I suggest you install the hotfix for the VSS to check the status since the ... must be tracked by Microsoft for reasons such as: ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.server.sbs)