backing up active directory

[linux1880]

Is that 'system state' file is enough to back AD up using NTBACKUP ? Or do i need something more ? for example if all system fails and I reninstall OS, will 'system state' does it all to reincarnate old server ?

 

[mikesgroovin]

Is that 'system state' file is enough to back AD up using NTBACKUP ? Or do i need something more ? for example if all system fails and I reninstall OS, will 'system state' does it all to reincarnate old server ?

A system state and file restore plan is not enough with a box supporting your AD. Is this another machine bouncing off of your PDC? Worse yet, is this your PDC? I would most certainly have a fully imaged Backup snapshotted every 3 or 4 nights ready to boot and take over if thats the case.

In short....In my opinion, no. To go further, a box supporting AD needs a backup that it fully functional and ready to go. AD will be restored with a file and system state restore but any 3rd party app will be gone. Have you ever done a disaster recovery test? I work for a very large company and we plan for everything, so the experience may be a bit too much for a smaller company. Even still, when I worked for smaller companies with small scale PDCs or Exchange servers, I had a fully imaged backup ready to take over and be fully functional within 3 hours. I was always able to stick with an SLA of a 3 hour restore time too.

 

[linux1880]

What is the best way to make image ? Is there a free software to do this ?

 

[Ewc1307]

MagicISO & WinISO spring to mind.

 

[Leo F. Swiontek]

You can back up by taking images using software. It can also be backed up using a feature of active directory. Emergency disk repair can also be used to backup.


Leo F. Swiontek

 

[carnageX]

Norton Ghost makes back up images of your drive. Only backs up the space thats used, while Acronis also backs up the free space (which isn't needed).

 

[CntdwnToExtn]

you should also think about gettin' your AD into a VM.
Then all is what you have to do is shut down the VM, copy it tape or wherever you want and start it up again.
Then you have a 100% system backup that can be restored as fast as it can boot up.