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krschacht

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W2K Backup question regarding 'System State'

I have a Windows 2000 server with Exchange 2000, SQL Server 2000, Active Directory, tons of applications installed, and a shared folder for all our company data.  I want to do a full-backup of everything in case of a hard drive crash.

My question is, I think I can do this by using the Win2000 Backup Utility and checking C:\ and System State.  In the event I had to restore, my understanding is I would do a basic install of Windows 2000 and run the Backup Utility to restore these two items.  I would then have all of my applications restored.  Is this correct?

To further clarify, will my Exchange and SQL Server data be restored as well?  The reason I am unsure is because I noticed
that it's possible to make separate backups of Exchange and SQL Server data.

--------------------

Assuming the answer to the above question is yes, I would like to sneak in one more question.  Does this sound like a good strategy:

Friday:   Backup C:\ and System State to an empty backup drive
Mon-Thu:  Do a full backup of Exchange and SQL Server data.  Do an incremental backup of C:\Shared Company Files\


Thanks.
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pjknibbs

For a major backup task like this I would NOT rely on the Windows backup utility--it's not really designed for heavy-duty stuff like this, and you'll soon be extremely frustrated with its limitations. Look into getting a dedicated backup tool like Veritas Backup Exec or ARCServe.
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Adrian Dobrota
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I know with Norton Ghost I have to restart the machine from a floppy which is a big pain.  And Veritas Backup Exec is fairly expensive (for my budget at least).

Can you elaborate on why I shouldn't just use the Windows backup utility?  I believe it even has a feature to verify the integrity of the backup.  I am suprised that MS would include this if it didn't actually work to perform backups.
<< I know with Norton Ghost I have to restart the machine from a floppy which is a big pain. >> 1)  it's not true   2) why is that?
well, price is a reason... :-)
<<  I am suprised that MS would include this if it didn't actually work to perform backups.>> It's performing backups. but it's "reputation" around IT is not very good from what I was able to see. personally I can't complain about it, since never used.
sincerly, if i have to chose between Micro$oft's products and Symantec's, I'd always choose Symantec's.
just take a look at Norton utilities..... why is that needed if Win is so good?  :>)  
Take our advice. Use a cloning tool or Veritas. Price and size of backed-up data differentiates them
Kronos steps away leaving a note on his desk:  <<Gone fishing for weekend. You can't disturb  :>)  >>