Is it possible to Image an NT4 server (SP6a) 2

[Szeliga]

My local school has an NT4 server (SP6a). I was recently asked to look after the network in my capacity as IT technician. I soon discovered that there was no fault tolerance at all. There are 4 scsi drives which are backed up to a Sony DAT drive. The network has approx 80 Win95 Clients and is an out of contract RM (Research Machine) system. I have rewritten the Backup Schedules to include Drives D and E, which prior to my new appointment, had never been backed-up at all! I know that to rebuild the server is not an easy task and therefore thought that Imaging the Server's system partition, if at all possible, would be an easier option in the event of a system failure. Hoping somebody can offer some advice/help.

Thanks.

Peter Szolkowski
Manor High School.

 

[comtec17]

Imaging a System Partition is definetly an easy way to recovery. The only problems are the following:

When imaging back, the machine needs to be the same type of hardware.

Anytime you change anything on the system parition you need to re-image.

 

[Kressmark]

Hi,

I have succeded in doing this many times using the Ghost software. For a temporary backup and if you do not plan to alter the hardware, it works great!

Best Regards
Mattias Kressmark

 

[Szeliga]

Many thanks to comtek17 and Mattias for replying to my query on imaging an NT4 server. Could you tell me Mattias, which version of Ghost did you use on your NT4 Server. Some months ago I did a web search and read several disgruntled users of Ghost who said it didn't work properly. I think they must have used an incorrect version. For this reason I have held back from trying to use Ghost on my server. Your reply has given me some hope. Looking forward to your reply.

Thanks.

Peter Szolkowski

 

[comtec17]

I have over 31 Ghost images of my servers sitting on SAN Disk. I use version 7.5 and Corporate Edition. Very easy to just copy the partition over to some other disk that I use to save all my images. I would go onto the Symantec web site and look over the features and decide if it is right for you.

Again, I have never ran into any problems with Ghost or any images that I had created.

 

[Kressmark]

Hi Peter,

Yes, earlier versions of Ghost had some problems with ntfs and such things. In am now using version 7.0 but I think 6.0 or higher should all handle nt 4.0.

Check out the ghost software at this URL:

http://enterprisesecurity.symantec.com/products/products.cfm?ProductID=3&EID=0

Best Regards
Mattias Kressmark

 

[Szeliga]

Once again Mattias and comtek17 for your replies. Extremely helpful.

Many thanks

Peter Szolkowski

 

[Impothster]

Veritas have an Intelligent Disaster Recovery option on their Backup Exec software. Basically an image to tape.

 

[Mturner]

is assume the server is a PDC for an rmconnect network, connect is very funny with this type of thing, you are best off contacting RM or your local eis to rebuild and commision it for you with the connect 2.4 software, probally be about 2 grand but thats connect for you!.
any more questions about connect dont hesitate to ask.
HTH

Marc

Marc Turner
Network Manager

E-Mail: Mturner@turnerm3.fsnet.co.uk

 

[Szeliga]

Thanks to Impothster and MTurner for their valued advice.
Very helpful.