server backup / restore

Depends very much on what services are hosted on said server, it is sometimes easier to rebuild member servers then re-install applications than to attempt to do a system restore. To restore a Domain Controller or Exchange server you should read up on the version of ArcServe you are using - http://www3.ca.com/support/ although most modern backup solutions will provide a system state backup and restore system tailored for Active Directory.

That's a bit like asking "What's the fastest way to fix my car if I breakdown".  Who knows - WHY did you break down?  WHAT are the symptoms?  Do you have a flat tire?  Is it not starting?  Is it making sounds it doesn't usually?  

A blue screen could be caused by hardware (most are) in which restoring from backups won't do much good.  Or a bad driver.  Or a bug in the system.  You're procedure is either going to be overkill (buy a new car/computer) or it's going to be to look at the problem and determine the best course of action.

If they have 10 servers, I would hope they have at 2 domain controllers - if so then if one fails, it's not all that critical.  But backing up AD requires backing up the system state.

ok guys sorry. i wasnt clear at all. what i meant was

IF a critical DC falls over and i have tried my usual blue screen troubleshooting and the decision has been made to restore . What are my steps. do i need to have an ERD created from NT backup. what do i need to have backed up i.e. AD, registry etc. how do i restore this i.e. is it via directory services restore mode. if i restore via DS restore mode, will it  restore the server as it was and everyone will be able to log in again etc

any help guys??

If you have another DC, then I would seize the FSMO roles if necessary, remove the failed DC using NTDSUTIL, and reinstall the box from scratch.  If it's the only DC, then I would use a system state backup to restore.

You should also review documentation on restoring a domain controller.
http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsServer/en/library/f66ee9e4-96d7-4f74-a2fe-d669194bf5a21033.mspx?mfr=true
http://www.computerperformance.co.uk/w2k3/utilities/windows_authoritative_restore.htm

what is BAB cd. how do i get into ASR mode

BAB = Brightstor Arcserve Backup (the software you use to backup)
ASR Mode: You have to boot the server which has to be restored with the Windows 2003 Server CD. During the beginning of Setup you have the choice to boot in ASR Mode.

if i want to restore an app server that dies from a blue screen. is there any way i can restore the program files and the registry etc without having to re install all the applications