backup/restore windows 2000 server

[mk001]

I had windows 2000 server(PDC) with SP4 which upgrade from WindowsNT 4.0 server PDC. I want to know if this windows 2000 server is down, how can I restore it?

I backup system state of this windows 2000 server every month. I guess the procedure of restoration is as follows:

1.install windows NT 4.0 server with same computer name and same hardware configuration.

2.upgrade the NT4.0 to windows 2000 server with SP4.
3.install AD and DNS.
4.restore the system state.

Is it correct?

Thanks,

 

[GrimR]

Is this your only server. If yes then I suggest another server just to replicate AD
I my opinion the system state is a load of cr4p. Unless you have IDENTICAL hardware to restore it to. I tried for two weeks to restore to different hardware, in a test environment, and had endless problems. It's easier to reload and restore data, as long as you have a second AD running.

 

[LWComputingMVP]

System state was not meant to be used as a migration tool. It's a mistake to consider it such.

If the server goes down, there should be no need to reinstall NT4. And if I remember correctly, there should be no need to install AD and DNS. The system state should cover that.

But the best way to make sure - and to give yourself experience - is to go buy another disk and disconnect the existing disk(s) over a weekend. Then connect the new disk and restore. Wouldn't you feel a LOT more comfortable knowing you've done it before? And if there is a problem - you just reconnect the old disks and look into why there was a problem.

 

[mk001]

First, thank you for your reply.

My original windows 2000 server was upgraded from Windows NT 4.0 PDC server. I guess that if this windows 2000 server is down, I should install NT 4.0 first. Then, upgrade it to windows 2000 server. Then, restore the system state.

I cannot try this in real situation because there have been exchange server 5.5 and other servers connect to it.

I hope I can try this in test environmet.

Thanks,

 

[LWComputingMVP]

Sheesh - you have Exchange 5.5 also? Ouch... No you don't need to reinstall NT4, you just install 2000 and then restore the system state. DEFINITELY test this in a lab environment first.