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System state - best bet?

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5 replies

by quintar51

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Hi,

a quick question. For minimal system backup, no programs or anything, just the 'critical' system files, I have always believed that the System State backup by itself is enough. I know it backs up the registry and the system folders and even AD, if it's installed.

My question is, how reliable is the system state backup on its own? Am I relatively safe if I only back it up? or should I backup more?

I would like to hear different opinions regarding this. Thanks.

5 replies

by parvus1202

When you back up the System State data, a copy of your registry files is also saved in the systemroot/repair/regback folder. If your registry files become corrupt or are accidentally erased, you can use these files to repair your registry without performing a full restore of the System State data. This is reliable, although I recommend this for advance users.

by ann777

It's reliable... but whether to backup more or not is a question only you can answer. What happens if you lose the whole hdd? How long will it take to get all the data back? Programs can be re-installed, but your specific data may also need to be backed up.

When you choose to back up the system state on a domain controller, the following items are included:
Active Directory (NTDS)
The boot files
The COM+ class registration database
The registry
The system volume (SYSVOL)

When you back up the system state on a non-domain controller, the following items are included:
The Boot file
The COM+ class registration database
The registry

When you back up a member server or domain controller with Certificate Server installed, the following additional item is also included:
Certificate Server

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