Re: Domain Controller backup

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We've used Symantec Backup Exec, and NetBackup to backup our DC's. Backup
the entire C: drive and make sure to include the System State. For a DC, the
System State in going to include all of Active Directory, which the full
backup of C: won't get due to open file issues.

Also, find the doc's on the Symantec/Veritas web site that tells you how to
restore a DC. If you are not using Bare Metal Restore, you have to load a
fresh OS, then reinstall B.E., then catalog the backup, then go into
Directory Restore Mode before you do the restore of the full backup of C: AND
the System State. You should do this on a seperate test server to validate
that the backup is complete and familirize yourself on the procedure.
--
Bruce R. Ellefritz
Lead User Tech. Spec.
Computer Services Bureau
Phoenix Police Dept.
bruce.ellefritz@xxxxxxxxxxx
602-262-1893




"William A. J." wrote:

Hi Pegasus,

I am using Symantec BackupExec 11d.

When you say the whole system partition, does that mean the whole C: drive?
(%systemroot% is on C: in this case). What if there are a few other
applications installed on that machine? I don't think they need to be
included. Can I put it this way? All directories that belong to other
applications can be excluded. The rest needs to be included, plus System
State?

Thank you in advance.

William A. J.

"Pegasus (MVP)" wrote:


"William A. J." <WilliamAJ@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:3E802BF0-ED5B-4828-B53A-53B3442D0F5F@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi experts!

I have a question regarding Active Directory backup. When it says that we
have to backup System State, System Disk and System Files, there is
something
I am not sure about. Suppose a server has only 1 disk, which has a drive
letter C, system disk would be C and system files would all be in it. The
server would have a few programs installed. When I want to create DC
backup
set, what exactly do I need to back up in terms of system files? If we say
backup the whole system disk, that will include system files and
additional
programs installed on it. So could anybody tell me what exactly system
files
are? I assume it would be at least C:\Windows, a few hidden files right
under
C:\, anything else?

Thank you in advance.

William A. J.


If you use ntbackup.exe then you must back up your whole system
partition plus the "System State". You must then go through a full
restoration process to a blank disk. This is the only way to make
sure that you can do it when the crunch comes.

You should also consider alternatives to ntbackup.exe such as
Acronis TrueImage (Server). They cost money but they make
the restoration process much, much easier.



.

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