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Hey guys,<br />
<br />
What is the minimal required files necessary to do complete restore of an active directory domain controller? &nbsp;In other words what system files, config files, registry settings, etc. should be backed up in order to do a complete recovery in case a full blown failure occurs?<br />
<br />
I know that in Server 2008 there is the Windows Server Backup tool which looks great for backing up the system state. &nbsp;But that seems like it may take up more storage space that we would necessarily like. &nbsp;Storage on our SANs is very finite and the senior engineers are very stingy with the storage space.<br />
<br />
I guess what I'm asking, is there a different way to backup AD that would take the least amount of disk space possible? &nbsp;Or is saving the system state pretty much the only/best option? &nbsp;Thanks in advance.
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Hey guys,

What is the minimal required files necessary to do complete restore of an active directory domain controller?  In other words what system files, config files, registry settings, etc. should be backed up in order to do a complete recovery in case a full blown failure occurs?

I know that in Server 2008 there is the Windows Server Backup tool which looks great for backing up the system state.  But that seems like it may take up more storage space that we would necessarily like.  Storage on our SANs is very finite and the senior engineers are very stingy with the storage space.

I guess what I'm asking, is there a different way to backup AD that would take the least amount of disk space possible?  Or is saving the system state pretty much the only/best option?  Thanks in advance.

Backing up Active Directory Windows 2008 R2

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.

Storage Software

Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2, based on the Microsoft Vista codebase, is the last 32-bit server operating system released by Microsoft. It has a number of versions, including including Foundation, Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter, Web, HPC Server, Itanium and Storage; new features included server core installation and Hyper-V.

Windows Server 2008

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

Windows PowerShell is a task automation and configuration management framework from Microsoft, consisting of a command-line shell and associated scripting language built on the .NET Framework. PowerShell provides full access to the Component Object Model (COM) and Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), enabling administrators to perform administrative tasks on both local and remote Windows systems as well as WS-Management and Common Information Model (CIM) enabling management of remote Linux systems and network devices.

Powershell

This topic area includes legacy versions of Windows prior to Windows 2000: Windows 3/3.1, Windows 95 and Windows 98, plus any other Windows-related versions including Windows Mobile.