System State Backup FAQ

• What is the purpose of taking System State backup?

System state backup creates a backup file for critical system related components. This backup file can be used to recover the critical system components after a crash.

• Which components are backed up by the System State backup?

The Registry, boot files, as well as important system files. Then depending on their availability, the following services will be backed up as well

Active Directory directory service, Certificate Service database, COM+ Class Registration database, SYSVOL directory.

• How frequent should a system state backup taken?

After each major system update, and regularly each weekend or so.

• Should I run over the last System State with the new versions?

No, it is always recommended to keep two or more versions. That way even if the last system state is corrupted you will be able to recover from a previous version.?

• How does Relative Rev Backup help with System State backup?

• Relative Rev Backup has a powerful scheduler that automates the backup initiation, both according to a predefined schedule, and for single click manual? backup.

• Relative Rev Backup automates the number of versions to keep. It can keep several weekends versions, several manual versions, and if needed even several monthly versions

• To create the actual backup file, Relative Rev Backup seamlessly automates Microsoft Backup utility. It means that the backup file is 100% genuine.

System State - Frequent Asked Questions

• How can I restore a fully crashed Active Directory system using the system state backup?

• Using Windows installation CD/DVD, install a basic windows installation.

• If you have a server with special hardware like SCSI or RAID cards, at the first blue installation screen be ready press F6 to install this drivers (the option is available for only few seconds, so be prepared).

• On the next "Welcome to Setup Screen" do not choose the "Repair" option, just hit enter to continue.

• Press F8 to accept the End User License Agreement.

• If you have replaced the hard disk, select the new disk, and create a new partition that has at least the same size as it used to be on the cashed system.

• Select to install Windows on the new partition

• Select formatting the new partition

• After format completes, the windows installation begins, and windows will load, and then reboot.

• Accept default settings for 'Regional and Language Options"

• Fill the "Name" and "Organization", and product key.

• Make sure you use the same? "computer name" as it use to be, otherwise, you will have to start all over.

• Cancel the setup wizard that appears at the end f the installation.

• Right click on "My Computer: and choose Manage.

• Recreate all partitions, with the same drive letters, as that were present on the system you are trying to restore. Failing to do so will result in unsuccessful restore!

• Install Relative Rev Backup and recover it settings form the backup disk.

• Select the System State pack, a restore it to its original location.

• Reboot the server, and hit F8 as soon as the BIOS screen appears.

• Choose "Directory Services Restore Mode"

• After windows starts > from the Start menu choose Run > NTBackup

• Choose Restore and Manage Media

• From the main menu Tools > Options > Restore Tab > set " Always replace the files on my computer"

• Select the appropriate system state file, the one you recovered using Relative Rev Backup, and hit "Start Restore".

• Acknowledge restoring the System State to its original location.?

• On the Confirm Restore form hit Advanced, and check all four checkboxes.

• Wait for the restore to complete

• You may have to reboot

• Can I backup the system state while the Active Directory is online?

Yes - On Windows Server 2003 or Windows 2000 domain controllers the Active Directory can be backed up while the domain controller is online.?

You can restore these backups only when the domain controller is booted into Directory Services Restore mode by using the F8 key when the server is starting.

• Restoring Active Directory in servers

On Windows Server 2003 or Windows 2000 domain controllers the Active Directory can be backed up while the domain controller is online. You can restore these backups only when the domain controller is booted into Directory Services Restore mode by using the F8 key when the server is starting.

• How to add Windows Backup Utility in Windows XP Home Edition?

Microsoft Backup utility is not included in the default installation of Windows XP Home Edition. It is included on the Windows XP Home Edition CD-ROM in the ValueAdd folder. You must install the utility manually.?

To manually install Backup:?
Double-click the Ntbackup.msi file in the following location on the Windows XP Home Edition CD-ROM:

CD-ROMDrive:\VALUEADD\MSFT\NTBACKUP