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Full system backup/recovery software

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by bradq 1 view

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We have a couple Windows 2000 Server machines that are getting to the point that if we had to restore and reload due to a failure it would be a disaster. Currently we have backup software that just backs up data. However the Operating System must bereloaded and then the data restored on top of that. Does anyone know of software that allows for you to backup your complete system every night so that you can just restore without any reloading of software?

9 replies

by r. a. caluste

The only thing I can think of is using a third party imaging tool (norton ghost) which is not exactly a good idea if you are doing backup (because of file size) but you restoring back data doesn't require you to reload any OS or software.

by maelgwyn

What you are after is strictly 3rd party. To my mind spings imaging software (Norton Ghost or Drive Image). However, could a raw image (of the base os) be made so that:

Image of 2k is loaded (usually 5 to 10 minutes) then

Restore done.

I know it doesnt fit the problem as easly, but would it not be the best fit (and easiest - really)

by rabbit_runner

Another Idea would be to add an additonal drive, then Mirror the system partition. There would be a noticable slow down on the server due to the extra overhead, but you would have an exact copy of your drive. In this case you would have to balancewhether the importance of a duplicate system partition, or system performance.

I know of users who have created a mirror of the system partition, then broken the mirror. They would then have two exact copies of the OS partition, but without the loss to system performance. On dissadvantage to a mirror, is that the drive is still in the server. If something happened the the entire server, everything is lost.

Some techs recommend Veritas Backup Exec. It can perform a backup of the OS to atape, including the System State. The tape can then be taken to another location for storage. If a restore were needed, you would first need to load a clean copy of the OS onto the drive, then do a restore from the tape. This would re-create the files, registry, etc.

The above should give you some options for you to make a decision from your circumstances and budget. Best of luck.

by jf555

Go to Novastor.com and download the Instant Recovery Software, it beats Norton's Ghost by a mile and it is only $49. THis is an imaging utility which boots either from 2 floppies and a CD or just a CD, depending on how you set it. It is very reliable, I use it all the time.

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