Hyper-V to check Windows Server Backup

[DrB0b]

Hello, this should be a easy to answer question. I haven't been allowed to purchase a server BU program due to the cost of it. Ive been using Windows Server Backup which completes successfully and gives me a large chunk of data but how do I know that what Im getting is what I need to do a recovery if the drives fail or the server is caught in a fire? I was told Hyper-V could do this.

Anyone tried this and know if it does work? Ive used VMware and VirtualBox before but neither could mount the WSB image.

"You don't know what you got, till its gone..
80's hair band Cinderella or ode to data backups???

 

[58sniper]

I haven't been allowed to purchase a server BU program due to the cost of it.

What's your business continuity worth? How much is downtime worth?

Depends on your requirements. There's a lot to look into. Generally, Windows Backup won't do a bare metal restore, AFAIK.

You'd have to have a server to restore the data to. So, a server running Hyper-V with a guest to restore the data to. Sounds like you're talking money. And that might be more than what a solid backup program would run you.

Do you have your Tek-Tips.com Swag? I've got mine!

Stop by the new Tek-Tips group at LinkedIn.

 

[gmannatl]

In my experience the Windows Backup works very effectively for file based and bare metal recovery (Assuming it is setup for this). To test you will need a machine virtual or otherwise.

Personally, for under $125 bucks you can pick up Dell Poweredge 2850's all day long on EBay. Not a bad investment not only to test the restore, but to even have a spare ready. These are great machines that run Server 08 like a top (Quad Core 3Ghz Zeon's). One such seller is local to me and I just go to their location for pickup and avoid any shipping.

 

[DrB0b]

58sniper - I'm aware of the risks taken not being able to do a proper backup, but the powers that be will not budge and let me spend the money. Emphasis on "I'm" because its gotten to be a sore subject.

Basically what Im asking is, can Hyper V take the WSB data and mount it like any other BU program. If the data that is backed up is only to be restored to a reinstalled server, then the data applied, obviously it will not be bootable data.

gmannatl - I have a "secondary" server which Im replicating all important data too already which can be brought as PDC if need be(yes I know PDC and SDC terminology went out the window). Just curious if Im doing a USB backup with WSB and the place catches fire, I buy the same hardware to replace what Ive got, can I restore to it from the backup? Or, can I mount the BU data in Hyper V and retrieve important files?

"You don't know what you got, till its gone..
80's hair band Cinderella or ode to data backups???

 

[DrB0b]

Oh and Im an idiot. I meant with Microsoft Virtual PC. Can you check the BU with that..........

Really wish you could edit your posts now because I feel a bit red in the face.

"You don't know what you got, till its gone..
80's hair band Cinderella or ode to data backups???

 

[58sniper]

I'm not aware that you can.

Do you have your Tek-Tips.com Swag? I've got mine!

Stop by the new Tek-Tips group at LinkedIn.

 

[kmcferrin]

You can build a VM to restore the backup to, but because components will have changed from the physical to virtual host, the restore will be a bit goofy. You may end up restoring device drivers/configuration data that isn't correct.

Honestly though, if I worked for someplace that was too cheap to buy a decent backup application I'd probably find another job. To argue over something so fundamental is to demonstrate a total lack of concern for the IT environment. How on earth can you justify something less critical if they won't even cover the basics?

________________________________________
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[DrB0b]

Hence the ongoing job search. Everyone knows a company like this one. Everything has to be patched instead of fixed correctly because the correct fix will add extra downtime but they dont realize that when it breaks completely, then they are in trouble that could have been avoided.

Ive tried rationalizing multiple times but to no avail...

"You don't know what you got, till it's gone..
80's hair band Cinderella or ode to data backups???