Windows 2003 System State Restore (domain controller) On New Hardware

[gavm99]

Hi all,

The only AD & Exchange server for a domain has had a hardware failure beyond repair.

As a starting point I have attempted to do a System State Restore on my new server using a backup from the dieing server.

However on start I get a warning about Active Directory not being able to start and to use Active Directory Restore Mode from the F8 at startup. I have done this but I login and it then logs me straight off again.

Is there anyway I can get this System State working? Or is my only option a rebuild from fresh?

I have attempted to repair the installation but that did not work either!

Thanks.

 

[pagy]

If this was your only DC then you would need to use AD restore mode and perform a primary restore

Paul
MCSE


"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein

 

[gavm99]

Yes I have attempted that but as I said when I enter AD Restore Mode it logs me straight off when I log into the machine.

 

[pagy]

Ah, so you did. Sorry I didn't read that bit properly.

So you boot into AD restore mode, enter your directory services restore mode password and it logs you straight off again??

Paul
MCSE


"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein

 

[gavm99]

Hi,

Yes that is what happens.

I have managed a work around though, I got enough life out of the failed server so I could make my new server with a fresh install a Domain Controller using the usual dcpromo so its all sorted now!

Thanks.