Re-installing Windows Server 2012 Essentials - the best way?
A have a Server running Windows 2012 R2 Essentials. It has been likely struck with some software that has turned it into a Zombie as it is uploading vast amounts of data.
I have not been able to solve this issue and have therefore made the decision to re-install the Server. (See my other question for further details regarding this )
Can anyone please advise the best way to do this to avoid minimal re-configuration?
General Information
1. The Server has 4TB raid configuration with two partition - a 500GB partition for the OS and all programs. The rest of the data is on the other partition
2. The server is essentially a Domain controller and file server looking after 10 workstations. All the users are using folder redirection. Email is supplied by Exchange Online.
3. The backup is done onto external hard drive using the built-in backup of Windows essentials. I don’t want to use it to fully restore the server as the problem started after the last backup and I am worried it would bring the problem back.
My main concern is the user data and re-logging in of the user. If, for example, I re-install on the OS partition and leave the data partition as is and set folder redirection to point to the folder on this partition, will the user log in OK and pick up their data as before?
Any advice very much appreciated.
I have not been able to solve this issue and have therefore made the decision to re-install the Server. (See my other question for further details regarding this )
Can anyone please advise the best way to do this to avoid minimal re-configuration?
General Information
1. The Server has 4TB raid configuration with two partition - a 500GB partition for the OS and all programs. The rest of the data is on the other partition
2. The server is essentially a Domain controller and file server looking after 10 workstations. All the users are using folder redirection. Email is supplied by Exchange Online.
3. The backup is done onto external hard drive using the built-in backup of Windows essentials. I don’t want to use it to fully restore the server as the problem started after the last backup and I am worried it would bring the problem back.
My main concern is the user data and re-logging in of the user. If, for example, I re-install on the OS partition and leave the data partition as is and set folder redirection to point to the folder on this partition, will the user log in OK and pick up their data as before?
Any advice very much appreciated.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Well if the server was "doing something" and uploading "masses of data" and you can't find the cause then I would be very, very concerned. Your server may actually be hacked and controlled by a "bot" of some sort. I would still consider reformatting the drives and starting over but at least you should run virus and spyware checkers, use more than 1 of each, 2 or 3 of each--use spybot, malwarebytes and then your virus software and then one other. You may even want to use a USB or DVD boot drive with a virus scanner to be 100% sure, especially if you can't find what was causing the uploading of masses of data.
ASKER
All seems to be working well - as the threat has now removed - so the need to do this is no longer relevant.
If needed in the future - and let's hope not - your comments will be useful.
If needed in the future - and let's hope not - your comments will be useful.
ASKER
However, It seems I may not need to do anything. Since I left yesterday, the problem has gone away and all is looking good.
I have obviously done something but I am keeping an open mind and see how things go for the next few days. I will therefore keep this question open until I am sure all is well.