asked on

I backed up an OLD windows 2003 server that runs SQL with Windows Backup. Am I covered?

We have an old Windows 2003 server and it looks like a drive has failed. We need to power the server down to replace it, but want to have a backup first. I logged into the Server and ran the built in Windows Backup. I made sure that ALL drives were checked, including the one with the databases. I have a good BKF file saved on another server now. It is 75GB which is about the size of all the data combined on the server. We are ready to shut the server down now, but are we covered for a worst case scenario? The backup looks good, but I know this was only the built in Windows Backup. Do I have a false sense of security?

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Obi Wan

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

Dr. Klahn

If it's that important, I'd make a second backup using different software such as Macrium Reflect.

Niten Kumar

Yeah Windows backup seems good enough. But just to feel at ease you might wanna take a SQL backup too. There are many free easy to use utilities. Try the following link:

http://sqlbackupfree.com/best-sql-backup-software/

David Johnson, CD

If a drive has failed if it is in a raid array why not just replace the drive and let the array rebuild.

Lee W, MVP

Who knows? Even backups that SHOULD work fail. Have you tried to RESTORE it? Test restores are VITAL to ANY backup strategy!

ArneLovius

Especially on older operating systems, I am a BIG fan of taking an offline image based backup before replacing or repairing storage subsystems.

An offline image based backup does not have to worry about locked files...

I usually recommend using clonezilla booting from USB or optical media, and then copying to a local USB disk, or over the network to suitable network share.