Restoring a Backup to a Computer with Different Hardware

[outonalimb]

I'm now fully skilled in restoring a backup to a server with the same hardware configuration!

However, on closer examination of our servers, they are not all the exact same model as each other - Proliant 800's circa 1997.

The million dollar question is: has anybody successfully been able to restore a backup to a server with a different hardware configuration?

I have followed the advice from Microsoft in the link below but it appears to be advice for NT Server 3.51 and not NT 4.0. - it doesn't work.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;139822

Anyway, this is what I have done so far to try and make it work:

1. Install NT 4.0 Server into a different system root directory than that of the original
2. Install Backup Exec
3. Restore recent backup to C:\WINNT
4. Edit the boot.ini file to point to this directory
5. Reboot

When I reboot, NT begins to load and goes through the 'pips' on the blue screen but reboots at the point where the Windows log in screen should appear. This happens every time.

Can anyone offer any advice? I understand a BDC would be the ideal solution but I have 11 domains and we cannot afford to put an extra server at each branch.

 

[mattjurado]

I've always relied on backing up data, and if the os ever needs to be reinstalled, I just do a clean installation, and restore the data. Its fast and effective, especially if its just a simple file server, where all you really have to recreate are several user accounts, a domain, a few shares/permissions, and a login script. Plus, you get the assurance of a nice clean installation without any damaged/corrupted files.

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

 

[jonhowe]

Have you looked at

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=130928

Personally I agree with Matt J. - I think pain and suffering awaits going down the full system restore route.

JonHowe

 

[jonhowe]

Another thought ....

I have found when doing NT restores that the destination machine needs to be prepared prior to the restore not only with NT but also with the same service pack level as the NT system on the backup tape.

I'm not sure that this is strictly requried but I have had hassles in this area when you come to reboot after the restore has finished !

I also think you are brave to install into a "different system root directory" - why not blast the restore straight over the top ?

JonHowe

 

[outonalimb]

Thanks for the replies.

Is it possible then to restore straight over the top of the system root directory? Would there not be issues with 'open' files (i.e. the registry)?

If this can be done, then all the better.

Regards,

 

[jonhowe]

Never had an issue with open files on a restore, backup yes, but I always blast over the top. Registry comes back fine in my experience - after the first reboot.

Before I restore I always stop as many services as possible to reduce the likelyhood of any funnies.

Bear in mind I haven't used BackupExec but certainly works with NTBackup.