Domain Controller backup

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.

"William A. J." <> wrote in message
news:3E802BF0-ED5B-4828-B53A-...
> 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.

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." <> wrote in message
> news:3E802BF0-ED5B-4828-B53A-...
> > 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.
>
>
>

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.

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." <> wrote in message
> > news:3E802BF0-ED5B-4828-B53A-...
> > > 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.
> >
> >
> >

Hi Bruce,

On DC server there are other applications installed, such as antivirus, it
is also the BackupExec media server, a network monitoring tool, etc. My
question is, can I exclude directories that belong to these applications when
selecting the whole C: drive?

Thank you.

William A. J.

"BruceE" wrote:

> 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.
>
> 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." <> wrote in message
> > > news:3E802BF0-ED5B-4828-B53A-...
> > > > 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.
> > >
> > >
> > >

You could exclude them as long as you are very careful. Also, some apps
install stuff in System32 and/or in the profiles and/or in Program Files. If
you exclude the app's folder that could orphan a lot of files during a
restore. As a Server Manager, I would think you would want to backup
everything so you could restore everything intact. Our DC's are typically
File and Print also, so they have McAfee anti-virus and if I had to do a
restore I would want everything back. But I dont work in your environment so
that is your call of course.
--
Bruce R. Ellefritz
Lead User Tech. Spec.
Computer Services Bureau
Phoenix Police Dept.

602-262-1893




"William A. J." wrote:

> Hi Bruce,
>
> On DC server there are other applications installed, such as antivirus, it
> is also the BackupExec media server, a network monitoring tool, etc. My
> question is, can I exclude directories that belong to these applications when
> selecting the whole C: drive?
>
> Thank you.
>
> William A. J.
>
> "BruceE" wrote:
>
> > 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.
> >
> > 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." <> wrote in message
> > > > news:3E802BF0-ED5B-4828-B53A-...
> > > > > 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.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >

hello experts

I have a situation here i can not afford to loose data av a system which is very critical need to be backed up every after two hours and am using data protector

could you please advice

thanking you in advance



WilliamA wrote:

Domain Controller backup
04-Apr-07

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.

Previous Posts In This Thread:

On Wednesday, April 04, 2007 10:28 PM
WilliamA wrote:

Domain Controller backup
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.

On Wednesday, April 04, 2007 10:35 PM
Pegasus \(MVP\) wrote:

Re: Domain Controller backup
"William A. J." <> wrote in messag
news:3E802BF0-ED5B-4828-B53A-..
somethin
backu
additiona
file
unde

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

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

On Wednesday, April 04, 2007 11:12 PM
WilliamA wrote:

Hi Pegasus,I am using Symantec BackupExec 11d.
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:

On Thursday, April 05, 2007 2:06 PM
bruce.ellefrit wrote:

We've used Symantec Backup Exec, and NetBackup to backup our DC's.
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. Ellefrit
Lead User Tech. Spec
Computer Services Bureau
Phoenix Police Dept.

602-262-1893




"William A. J." wrote:

On Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:40 PM
WilliamA wrote:

Hi Bruce,On DC server there are other applications installed, such as
Hi Bruce,

On DC server there are other applications installed, such as antivirus, it
is also the BackupExec media server, a network monitoring tool, etc. My
question is, can I exclude directories that belong to these applications when
selecting the whole C: drive?

Thank you.

William A. J.

"BruceE" wrote:

On Wednesday, April 11, 2007 11:04 AM
bruce.ellefrit wrote:

You could exclude them as long as you are very careful.
You could exclude them as long as you are very careful. Also, some apps
install stuff in System32 and/or in the profiles and/or in Program Files. If
you exclude the app's folder that could orphan a lot of files during a
restore. As a Server Manager, I would think you would want to backup
everything so you could restore everything intact. Our DC's are typically
File and Print also, so they have McAfee anti-virus and if I had to do a
restore I would want everything back. But I dont work in your environment so
that is your call of course.
--
Bruce R. Ellefritz
Lead User Tech. Spec.
Computer Services Bureau
Phoenix Police Dept.

602-262-1893




"William A. J." wrote:


Submitted via EggHeadCafe - Software Developer Portal of Choice
SQL Server FOR XML EXPLICIT Examples
http://www.eggheadcafe.com/tutorials...ml-explic.aspx

Hello gilbert,

If you talk about the HP solution better use the HP support instead Microsoft
newsgroup:
http://www.communities.hp.com/online/

Best regards

Meinolf Weber
Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers
no rights.
** Please do NOT email, only reply to Newsgroups
** HELP us help YOU!!! http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm


> hello experts
>
> I have a situation here i can not afford to loose data av a system
> which is very critical need to be backed up every after two hours and
> am using data protector
>
> could you please advice
>
> thanking you in advance
>
> WilliamA wrote:
>
> Domain Controller backup
> 04-Apr-07
> 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.
>
> Previous Posts In This Thread:
>
> On Wednesday, April 04, 2007 10:28 PM
> WilliamA wrote:
> Domain Controller backup
> 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.
>
> On Wednesday, April 04, 2007 10:35 PM
> Pegasus \(MVP\) wrote:
> Re: Domain Controller backup
> "William A. J." <> wrote in message
> news:3E802BF0-ED5B-4828-B53A-...
> something
> backup
> additional
> files
> under
> 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.
> On Wednesday, April 04, 2007 11:12 PM
> WilliamA wrote:
> Hi Pegasus,I am using Symantec BackupExec 11d.
> 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:
>
> On Thursday, April 05, 2007 2:06 PM
> bruce.ellefrit wrote:
> We've used Symantec Backup Exec, and NetBackup to backup our DC's.
> 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.
>
> "William A. J." wrote:
>
> On Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:40 PM
> WilliamA wrote:
> Hi Bruce,On DC server there are other applications installed, such as
> Hi Bruce,
>
> On DC server there are other applications installed, such as
> antivirus, it is also the BackupExec media server, a network
> monitoring tool, etc. My question is, can I exclude directories that
> belong to these applications when selecting the whole C: drive?
>
> Thank you.
>
> William A. J.
>
> "BruceE" wrote:
>
> On Wednesday, April 11, 2007 11:04 AM
> bruce.ellefrit wrote:
> You could exclude them as long as you are very careful.
> You could exclude them as long as you are very careful. Also, some
> apps
> install stuff in System32 and/or in the profiles and/or in Program
> Files. If
> you exclude the app's folder that could orphan a lot of files during a
> restore. As a Server Manager, I would think you would want to backup
> everything so you could restore everything intact. Our DC's are
> typically
> File and Print also, so they have McAfee anti-virus and if I had to do
> a
> restore I would want everything back. But I dont work in your
> environment so
> that is your call of course.
> "William A. J." wrote:
>
> Submitted via EggHeadCafe - Software Developer Portal of Choice
>
> SQL Server FOR XML EXPLICIT Examples
>
> http://www.eggheadcafe.com/tutorials...6-40f1-bf58-6f
> 0cacdd9000/sql-server-for-xml-explic.aspx
>