advice needed on backups

[blackrabbit]

I have a windows 2003 web/exchange/domain controller in my home that I use for my own stuff and currently I don't have a way to backup the server. I do copy my important files to a usb flash drive like my sql backups and my web files but exchange and my AD environment are in need of something. I can't afford my own tape backup and backup software.

Is it possible to use windows backup to backup my entire server to say a usb hard drive or something? My other question is in the event of a major server crash and had to reinstall server 2003 would windows backup beable to restore over the new OS so that my server would be the same as it was before the crash? Thanks.

 

[Roadki11]

I would ghost it to dvd or a secondary hard drive. cheap easy and fast.

just my 2 cents,

RoadKi11

 

[LWComputingMVP]

Why couldn't you use the built in backup to a USB drive? As far as restores would go, you'd need to reinstall windows, I believe to the same SP level, then you could restore your data. Be advised, you NEED to do system state and information store backups.

It may have parts that simply don't apply to your home network, but you might want to review my backup comment-turned-web page.

http://www.lwcomputing.com/tips/static/backup.asp

 

[blackrabbit]

thanks guys. While waiting for responses to my questions I did some searching and ofund other people who said ntbackup with system state to a usb drive is a nice fast way to do it. Thanks I think I'll use that method.

 

[jshurst]

Like mentioned before, be sure to backup the system state, otherwise even if you name the new domain the same thing it still won't be the same because of the identifier, then you'll have to recreate the entire domain.

Also, ntbackup fails all the time, although I do seem to have more luck with the system state backup as opposed to backing up regular files. So what I'm saying is that you should verify your backups.

Also, to be really safe you need to have an offsite backup too. I say that because if you building burns down, or if someone breaks into your office and steals your stuff then you're out of luck.

J

 

[blackrabbit]

I created a bunch of backup jobs, one for the different drives in the server just to better keep track of stuff. When I backup the c drive I and backing up the system state but not when doing the other drives. Is this the right way to do it? I figured the system state would really only be needed when doing the c drive.