snapshot, IDR, fastest restore

[ilpadrino]

I've been running a BE environment for a while. I've read some of the threads here about IDR, but some are old and I'd like some fresh opinions. We are updated to BE9.1. Does anyone have suggestions for the fastest restore method in conjuction (or not) with BE? I do not have IDR, but is IDR capable of restoring to completely different hardware? For example, say your motherboard blows up and you cannot replace because it's outdated. Can you restore the backup to brand new hardware?

 

[steveot]

IDR is not designed to restore to different hardware. Its stated in the admin guides. Same goes for a manual restore (restoring system state and c: drive) to different hardware. Even not suggested on Microsofts site..especially when its a DC. Another way to look at it is Backup Exec is not a migration tool either. I have had some luck with manual restores to different hardware...after the restore of system state and before the reboot...sometimes you can get away with re-installing SCSI, NIC, video drivers. IDR may work to similar hardware..but most of the time you will get the BSOD on ther reboot. Usually the SCSI drivers or something.

 

[ilpadrino]

After I posted this, I found a white paper on Backup Exec's site for the IDR option on BE 9.1 that claims several times that "Flexible recovery is not limited to the same hardware or configuration." I'm going to see if they have an evaluation now for IDR.

 

[justin2000]

There is no evaluation for IDR.
it will let you do just about everything, except restore the server - itwill prompt for a serial.

 

[Mitz]

FYI:
If you click Next with out entering the serial numbers you are able to choose any components of backup exec as a 30day trial.

I have been testing IDR and it does work but you need to update a CD\floppy each time you complete a backup. (If that Media set is the one you want to use as a full system restore.) I am still looking for an option where you don't have to update the CD each time. Anyone help on this part of it?

Mitz

 

[justin2000]

Mitz

FYI, if you try and do an actuall recovery with IDR it will prompt you for a serial number if there isn't one on the media server.

 

[RichinSTL]

Perhaps this is beating a dead horse (or topic anyway), from what I can tell you don't have to update the CD with each backup, only if the hardware changes. Am I misreading something?

Rich

 

[tocco]

This may or may not help you but outside of IDR but in conjunction with Netbackup there is a product called BMR from Veritas that will restore to unlike hardware.