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How will I test Windows 2003 server disaster recovery when I need to access the network

Hi there, I have been recently asked to test a disaster recovery
situation for our Exchange server AND Windows 2003 Active Directory.
I realise there are several documents outlining how to do this. What I
haven't been able to figure out is how will I test the scenerio when the
production machine is currently up and running. I thought that I would
just not connect the test machine to the network, but then I realised
that I would need to access the backup server on the network in order
to restore the information. I am using TSM as our backup software.

Thanks in advance.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Brian Pierce

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cdomanski

ASKER

True, but I still need to access the data on the backup server.. so I will have to attach that box to the network. IF it is attached, I assume it would cause havoc having 2 identical (cloned) machines connected at the same time. This is what I need to avoid.

Brian Pierce

Why dont you clone the backup server to a VM as well

SOLUTION

jasonwilliams74

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Brian Pierce

Virtual PC2007 has a number of advantages over VMware - the main one being its FREE

SOLUTION

Sembee

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jasonwilliams74

KCTS, I was just telling him what I have used in the past.

Either way, both do the job. I personally have been using VMWare for 6+ years, so I am more comfortable with it. But yes, Virtual Pc2007 is free.

Either way, this is a ideal situation to test virtual setups. :)

Sembee

VMWARE Server is also free. It is just Workstation that is a chargeable product.

Simon.

fiji_islander

I use Acronis True Image Server to clone my existing production DC into the test network for testing purposed. The image is transfered via USB HD or I just join the test machine to the network under a new test name, copy for the clone image file to the D drive partition, disconnect from the production network, reboot and boot from the Acronis True Image recovery CD and restore the image from the D drive and within minutes, I have the exact same copy of the production servers in a test environment.

Acronis can even restore to different hardware. Have done this testing with my win2k3 DC many times without fail.