Virtualization - DC restoration with VHD

Do not restore a DC from a VHD:

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/d2cae85b-41ac-497f-8cd1-5fbaa6740ffe(v=ws.10)#backup_and_restore_considerations_for_virtualized_domain_controllers

I would never use VHD, unless I read this article on Microsoft TechNet:

If a working copy of the VHD file is available, but no system state backup is available, you can remove the existing virtual machine. Restore the existing virtual machine by using a previous copy of the VHD, but be sure to start it in Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM) and configure the registry properly, as described in the following section. Then, restart the domain controller in normal mode.

That's why I am asking.

I am supposed to find a solution in case described above. So any suggestions, step-by-steps are welcome!

A new Windows Server installation seems to be a little time consuming so I am trying to find a solution to have the server back with all running applications installed, not in hours but in dozens of minutes.

Am I getting it right that if I had a VHD file or file like this I would have AD, system state, installed software, installed roles and features etc. back immediately? Without installing them again? This is my aim. Don't do steps that aren't necessary. Doesn't really matter how I achieve it.

I am not much experienced with VMware so any help appreciated.

Thank you for that info!

I am still trying to get into this.

We have 2 DCs. I am aware of seizing FSMO roles.

So the cleanest solution is to have a template of Windows server (on external HDD or as VMware file? How to get it?).
What to do next? Install roles and features? Restore the system state backup? Let it replicate?
Is there something I shouldn't do or I shouldn't forget?

Looks like what I need. Give me a time to get through it.

Sorry for this maybe utopian solution, I am still learning... But I really need a solution to have my DC back asap. Really. Every single minute is important.

Andrew, you are the real expert here so you might be able to help me with this. Does exist something (even not recommended) that you turn off your server, save the state of it and use it later fully working with applications installed? E.g. you run a one week old virtual server in DRSM, perform a restore from backup and let it replicate? For VMware?
If not, I am going to start working on your solution with WS template.

Besides, is it a an idea of performing the restoration process from system state backup taken by previous WS after deploying the template of WS and installing needed roles and features that terrible?
I mean... most of files that a system state backup contains aren't replicated from other servers. And this seems to be a good way how to put my server together.
Yes, I realize that the template is in fact a new server, but still... Even if this is not recommended I've read that in certain situations it is possible.

Thank you for your patience.

It sounds like you need a backup copy of your AD. If you need a backup plan you cannot use an old offline server as a backup. You should run Windows Backup (builtin to windows server OS) or a third party backup solution that uses an agent on the server. This is the only true way to backup a DC. With that backup you can run a  non-authoritative restore. All the things being said here I did outline in my previous reply.

It sounds like you

Yes, it sounds and I don't. :D

Thanks anyway.

Is it OK to perform a system state backup on a new server with identical virtual hardware?

Did you clone the machine and want to take a backup?
I do not think this will work.

You need to follow this article to do what you want to do.

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc772519(v=ws.10).aspx

Thanks.

I don't have time to test it now. Hope you are right.