<div>
Thanks Matt. &nbsp;It looks like we have all our FSMO roles on a single box, so I'll go this route.
</div>


Thanks Matt.  It looks like we have all our FSMO roles on a single box, so I'll go this route.

<div>
<div class="content wysiwyg-content">
I'm running multiple Windows Server 2003 domain controllers and multiple Windows Server 2008 domain controllers. &nbsp;I'm currently taking backups of both 2003 and 2008 DCs. &nbsp;<br />
<br />
Do I need to backup both types of DCs or am I ok only backing up the 2008 DCs?
</div>
</div>


I'm running multiple Windows Server 2003 domain controllers and multiple Windows Server 2008 domain controllers.  I'm currently taking backups of both 2003 and 2008 DCs.  

Do I need to backup both types of DCs or am I ok only backing up the 2008 DCs?

Active Directory 2003 and 2008 Backups

Active Directory (AD) is a Microsoft brand for identity-related capabilities. In the on-premises world, Windows Server AD provides a set of identity capabilities and services, and is hugely popular (88% of Fortune 1000 and 95% of enterprises use AD). This topic includes all things Active Directory including DNS, Group Policy, DFS, troubleshooting, ADFS, and all other topics under the Microsoft AD and identity umbrella.

Active Directory

The term "Backup" means the methods and processes involved to copy computer data (system data as well as application data) to media other than the ones where the data originally live (disk, tape, optical, cloud). "Restore" in turn means the methods and processes involved in data recovery, i. e., bringing back copied computer data to their original location. Backup/Restore primarily serves as a means of protection against data loss, be it due to disaster, corruption or sabotage. It can also be used for recovering data from an earlier point in time and even for cloning machines or applications. There is a wide variety of backup/restore software available, from expensive commercial products to free or open source tools.